-Star Trek- Columbia

[Curtis]

This story is based on the star ship Columbia mentioned in -Star Trek- Enterprise. Some characters in this story are actual characters of Paramount and others are made up ones. So, without further ado, here's the story.

Prologue:

Just as a shuttle had landed in Columbia's shuttle bay, a Vulcan figure had exited it. It was Soval, the former Vulcan ambassador, but now he was sporting the pips of a Starfleet commander. Soval exited the shuttle bay after nodding to the operator, and then entered the turbo elevator.

Meanwhile, Erika had just sat down at her desk in her ready room and was viewing some old family movies on her computer when there was a sudden bleep at the door.

�Come in,� Erika said.

�Ma�am,� said Tyler as he entered the ready room. �Our final shuttle has returned. Your new first officer is onboard.�

�Good, is he here?�

�No ma�am, but I�ve received word from the shuttle bay operator that he is a Vulcan.�

�Well, that�s alright I guess. Send him in once he arrives on the bridge.�

�Aye captain,� answered Tyler, he then turned and left the ready room.

After Tyler departed, Erika returned to her computer screen and resumed watching her old family videos while waiting to meet her new first officer.

Several hours later, Commander Soval enters the bridge and nods to the ensign at the communications station.

�Are we ready to get under way helm?� asked Soval.

�Affirmative sir,� replied Rebecca. �We have been cleared to leave dry dock and start our mission.�

�Good, you there,� said Soval, pointing to Tyler. �What is your position lieutenant?�

�I�m the Chief Tactical/Armory Officer sir,� Tyler replied. �Oh, and the captain wishes for you to see her in her ready room.�

�Very well then, the bridge is yours.�

Soval then turned and exited the bridge from the far side door, walking down a corridor and arriving at the captain�s ready room door. Bleep was the sound that Erika had once again heard, and so she once again stopped her video and told the person to enter.

�You wished to see me captain?� asked Soval.

�Wait a minute,� said a shocked Erika. �Aren�t you the Vulcan ambassador?�

�I was captain,� Soval replied. �That position was taken from me by our administrator; therefore, I decided to join Starfleet and serve onboard an Earth vessel. Then, I was immediately made a commander and assigned to be your first officer.�

�Well, welcome aboard commander. Are we ready to go?�

�Affirmative ma�am. Shall we return to the bridge?�

�Lets.�

Erika then turned off her computer screen so that it only showed the Starfleet logo, then her and Soval left the ready room and entered the bridge seconds later. Erika took her seat in the command chair, while Soval stood behind her and in front of the conference table.

�Take us out Ms. Schneider,� said Erika. �Slow and steady now, we don�t want to �scratch the paint� our first time out.�

�Aye ma�am,� Rebecca answered with a smile. �I�ll be sure we don�t have a single mark.�

Slowly, the Columbia began to leave dry dock as all the worker bees around it spread out to give it room, within seconds the ship was fully out and flying through space.

�Set any course Rebecca,� said Erika. �Let us begin our exploration mission.�

With that, the Columbia engines hummed to life and within seconds the ship disappeared into a vertical flash of light, leaving behind its big and blue home world.

[Curtis]

Chapter One:

�Would you care to take a seat commander?� asked Erika, noticing Soval still standing behind her.

�No thank you captain,� said Soval. �I am a Vulcan and have been trained to remain standing for long periods of time.�

�Suit yourself commander,� replied Erika. �Have you detected anything yet sub-lieutenant?�

�Affirmative captain,� replied Sovo. �Scanners are picking up an alien vessel following us.�

�Are their weapons activated?�

�No captain,� replied Sovo.

�Alright, drop us out of warp Rebecca. Mr. Monroe, standby weapons just in case. Mr. Taylor, try hailing them once we drop out of warp.�

�Aye captain,� replied the officers.

Suddenly, another vertical flash of light appeared and the Columbia soar out of it, followed closely by the alien vessel.

�Continue scanning Sovo,� said Erika. �I want to be notified the minute they try something.�

�Aye captain,� Sovo answered.

�Captain,� said Zach. �They�re responding.�

�Onscreen.�

With that, Zach tapped a few buttons and three Andorian faces appeared on the main view screen.

�Greetings Columbia,� said the head Andorian. �I am Commander Salas of this Andorian starship.�

�Is there any reason you are following us commander?� asked Erika.

�Yes,� replied Salas. �We received word from your people that you were launching and we wanted to be the first to welcome you to deep space. However, you should be warned captain�not all aliens are that �graceful� as you humans would say.�

�I see,� Erika said. �Can you give us any heads up on them?�

�I�m afraid not,� answered Salas. �We really must be getting back under way, just remember our warning captain�Salas out.�

Salas� face then disappeared and the main view screen once again only showed the stars, the bridge began to murmur.

�Now everyone,� Erika said. �Calm down, I highly doubt we will encounter any hostile species right--�

KABOOM! The Columbia suddenly shook from several shots to it, throwing Commander Soval to the ground and causing sparks to fly from several stations.

�What was that?!� exclaimed Erika.

�Weapons fire,� answered Tyler. �It came from an alien vessel at our port side.�

�The Andorians?�

�Negative. According to data received by Starfleet from the Enterprise, this vessel is Klingon. All information on this vessel and the one in the data base match.�

�Tactical alert!� exclaimed Erika. �Polarize the hull plating lieutenant!�

�Aye captain,� replied Tyler.

�Helm, evasive maneuvers!�

�Aye captain,� replied Rebecca.

The Columbia began to slowly move about space, dodging some weapons fire from the Klingon vessel and getting hit by some, then the Columbia phase cannon lowered and began to return fire while also shooting a round of torpedoes. Suddenly, the Klingon vessel disappeared.

�Where�d the go Tyler?� asked Erika. �They couldn�t have possibly warped without us knowing, and there�s no way that our phase cannon could have disintegrated them.�

�No ma�am,� replied Tyler. �It appears that they just disappeared into thin air.�

�Scanners are not detecting anything captain,� said Sovo. �Whatever they did, we cannot detect them.�

�Of course not,� replied Soval as he got back up. �They are cloaked.�

�They�re what?� asked Erika.

�Cloaked. This race has the ability to �cloak� their vessels making it completely invisible to the naked eye and our scans.�

�How can we fight something like that?�

�We cannot. We will have to wait until they uncloak, although that may not do it either.�

�Why?�

�When they uncloak, they only remain long enough for them to attack and then they return to cloak, going completely invisible again.�

�Captain,� said Zach. �They�re hailing us, audio only.�

�Play it,� answered Erika.

�You stand no chance against us captain,� said the Klingon voice. �Leave our area of space now or die!�

�That�s it?� asked Erika.

�Aye ma�am,� answered Zach.

�Lock onto them the minute they uncloak lieutenant, then return fire.�

�Aye captain,� replied Tyler. �Preparing the phase cannon and torpedoes.�

Suddenly, the Klingon vessel decloaked unexpectedly and began to fire upon the Columbia, causing the ship to shake more violently then the last jolt. The ship then shook again, this time from a torpedo blast�massive sparks then flew from the conference table and the science station, and again Soval was thrown to the ground.

�Banes to bridge,� came Amanda�s voice over the comm. �That last jolt just completely disabled our engines. We have no warp drive and minimal impulse power, also, several other systems throughout the ship have gone; the scanners are gone, our torpedo bays are blocked, and we have tons of damage down here. What is going on up there?�

�We�re in battle with a Klingon vessel,� replied Erika. �We had no time to escape and it appears they have the ability to go invisible to our eyes and scanners.�

�Well,� said Amanda. �I hate to say this ma�am, but there isn�t much we can do now. All we have left is our phase cannon, grappler, communications, helm, and other minimal systems.�

The Klingon crew now had their attentions all turned on their main view screen, as they watched their cloaked vessel continuously circle the Columbia.

[Curtis]

Chapter Two:

�Prepare the phase cannon and ready the torpedoes Malcolm,� said Jonathan. �Once that vessel decloaks, after we arrive, fire at will.�

�Aye sir,� replied Malcolm. �Readying phase cannon and torpedoes.�

�Captain,� said T�Pol, as the Enterprise dropped out of warp. �I am reading another vessel dropping out of warp above us.�

�Another Klingon?� asked Jonathan.

�No sir,� replied T�Pol. �It�s Andorian.�

�Weapons?�

�Affirmative sir,� answered T�Pol. �Wait, the Andorians have just locked onto a target to the front side of the Columbia, they are opening fire at it.�

�Perhaps they can detect cloaked vessels or something,� Jonathan remarked. �Malcolm, lock onto the same area of space that the Andorians have�fire at will.�

Malcolm nodded and with that, the Enterprise phase cannon and a full spread of torpedoes fired upon the same area of space that the Andorian vessel did. Within seconds, and several explosions later, the Klingon vessel became uncloaked and seemed completely disabled.

�They have lost several systems captain,� Malcolm said with a smile. �We�ve disabled their weapons, shields, engines, and most major systems. They only have life support and a few other non-essential systems, some major systems are online still, but badly damaged.�

�Sir,� came Hoshi�s voice. �They�re hailing us, audio only.�

�Put it through,� replied Jonathan.

�(Curses in Klingon) You may have won today captain, but what you have done here today with your Andorian friend may have started a war between our three peoples. Enjoy your victory captain, because it will be your last against the Klingon Empire! Qapla� for today captain�we will meet again.�

The link then suddenly cut and silence came over the comm.

�What was that he said Hoshi?� asked Jonathan.

�Well sir,� replied Hoshi. �You don�t want to know what he started with, but that last thing he said was �success.��

�I see, hail the Columbia.�

�Aye sir, on screen�now.�

Just then, Captain Hernandez�s face appeared on the main view screen of the Enterprise and Captain Archer�s face appeared on the main view screen of the Columbia.

�Greetings Captain Hernandez, are you alright?� asked Jonathan.

�We�re fine,� replied Erika. �However, we cannot warp ourselves out of here and to safety. Could you tow us?�

�Yeah, but we would be vulnerable to attack ourselves then, we wouldn�t be able to warp with you attached.�

�I will cover your back captain,� said the Andorian female captain, her face appearing on both view screens, causing a split screen effect. �I helped you once today, I can do it again.�

�Understood,� said Jonathan. �Standby captain, we�ll launch the grappler and begin towing, Enterprise out.�

All images then disappeared from everyone�s view screen and went back to only showing outer space. Then, the Enterprise launched its grappler and latched it to the Columbia; it then began to tow the ship to safety�being covered by the Andorian vessel.

Hours later; the Andorian captain, Captain Hernandez, and Captain Archer were all enjoying a wonderful dinner and having a meeting in the captain�s mess on the Enterprise.

�So,� started Jonathan. �How did you know where the Klingons were, could you actually detect them?�

�Of course not captain,� replied the Andorian. �We have just encountered them once or twice before and have learned a little about their battle tactics. Once they cripple an opponent, they circle them for awhile, I just took a guess where they were.�

�I see,� said Erika. �By the way, I don�t think we caught your name.�

�I am Tall,� replied the Andorian. �As you are aware, I command that Andorian vessel.�

�Alright,� replied Jonathan. �Do you think those Klingons were serious with their threat?�

�Oh yes captain,� replied Tall. �They are always very serious with their threats, you best beware.�

The three then enjoyed their meal and continued discussing the Klingons and other matters at hand.

Several days later, Soval�s voice came over the comm.

�Bridge to Captain Hernandez,� Soval said. �We are approaching Earth and Enterprise is set to let us go.�

�Understood,� replied Erika. �I�ll be there shortly.�

Erika then finished up what she was eating in the mess hall and headed for the bridge.

Several minutes later, Erika entered the bridge and Soval removed himself from the command chair.

�Can you take us the rest of the way to dry dock on impulse power Ms. Schneider?� asked Erika.

�Aye captain,� replied Rebecca.

�Start the engines then, engage immediately after the Enterprise lets go.�

Rebecca nodded to the captain, then within seconds the Enterprise had released its grappler from the Columbia and set itself back in orbit around the big blue planet once more. The Columbia then slowly moved toward dry dock and finally docked in it several minutes later, the worker bees immediately going to work on repairing the damage.

[Curtis]

Chapter Three:

Several of the Columbia crew was constantly at work on repairs, working with dry dock workers and their own people. Meanwhile, the bridge was also very busy as crewmembers were walking around repairing consoles and conduits.

�We are receiving a request to board captain,� said Zach.

�Who is it Mr. Taylor?� asked Erika.

�Lieutenant Commander Tucker of the Enterprise,� answered Zach. �He wishes to assist us with repairs.�

�Make it so ensign, tell Jonathan that Trip may board.�

�I�m receiving one more request captain, Captain Archer would like to have a dinner with you down on the planet.�

�I am unsure, can you handle command commander?�

�Of course captain,� replied Soval. �I was not named your first officer for no reason.�

�Good, tell Jonathan to meet me at Joe�s Pub.�

�Aye ma�am,� replied Zach, a smile on his face. �Relaying the message.�

A few hours later, Trip exited the shuttle bay and made his way to engineering, he then entered engineering and walked up to Amanda.

�What can I help with Ms. Banes?� asked Trip.

�Anything,� Amanda replied, a gleaming look in her eyes. �We have sustained heavy damage, as you know, and have only managed to get minimal systems back online. The torpedo bay is our main concern, but we can�t seem to get it unblocked, assist with that.�

�Aye ma�am,� replied Trip.

Trip turned and left engineering; he then entered the turbo elevator and headed down to the armory. Shortly after, Trip exited the elevator and entered the armory.

�Where�s your torpedo bay?� Trip asked a crewman.

�Right over there sir,� the crewman responded. �It looks like a piece of the ship is what blocked it, but we can�t seem to get to it.�

�Just leave that to me,� Trip replied, crawling up onto the platform. �I�m an expert engineer.�

�Be careful sir. The torpedoes were set to fire when they were blocked, they may go off if unblocked.�

Trip turned to the crewman with a serious look and said, �I�m always careful crewman.� He then proceeded down the shaft and disappeared into it.

Meanwhile, Erika�s shuttle had landed on the surface and she immediately got out and entered Joe�s Pub, a little ways across the room she noticed Jonathan Archer and walked over to him.

�Glad to see you again Jon,� Erika said, tapping his shoulder. �It�s been awhile.�

�Indeed it has,� said Jonathan, turning to face her as she sat down next to him. �How have you been since the last time we were on Earth?�

�Good Jon, really good. How about yourself?�

�Could be better, but otherwise, I�m pretty good myself. Enjoying the sensation of command on the Columbia?�

�Of course, well, except for that incident we just had with the Klingons a few days ago.�

�Yeah, we know how that is.�
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Elsewhere, Trip began crawling deeper and deeper down the torpedo bay and finally found the blockage quite near the bottom. Great, just great Trip thought to himself. Trip then took out his communicator.

�Commander Tucker to armory,� Trip said. �We have a problem.�

�What is it sir?� the crewman asked.

�Well, I found your blockage, that�s the good news. The bad news is, it�s near the bottom of the bay. If I remove your blockage, I would most likely be launched out with the torpedo.�

�What should I do?�

�There should be a way to cancel the torpedo launch, find a console and see if you can do that, then contact me.�

�Aye sir.�

The crewman then walked to the nearest console and began to frantically work at it, Trip remained in the torpedo bay awaiting the crewman�s response.

Minutes later, the crewman replied.

�I think I did it sir,� he said. �Did I?�

�Yes, yes you did crewman,� Trip said. �Great work, now I should�be�able�to�there! Got it! Your torpedo bay is ready and your torpedoes are on standby.�

Trip then exited the torpedo bay and the armory. Later on, after he finished doing what he could, he also left the Columbia and returned to the Enterprise.
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Later on, Archer and Hernandez were on a moonlight stroll down a path near the Golden Gate Bridge, Erika then stopped and turned to Jonathan.

�Jonathan,� she said. �You know we can�t do this all over again.�

�Do what?� Jonathan asked.

�Have a relationship. We both have to much work going on right now, commanding starships and all.�

�I know, but--�

Suddenly, Erika�s communications device bleeped. Erika then took it out of her pocket and opened it.

�Columbia to Hernandez,� came Soval�s voice. �Repairs are done and we are readying to depart, Columbia out.�

After that, Erika closed the communications device and let go of Jonathan�s hand.

�I�m sorry Jonathan, I really am.�

Erika then entered a shuttle that had landed and was gone within seconds, Archer then stood there alone and watched the shuttle depart fro the Columbia.

[Curtis]

Chapter Four:

Later, Erika�s shuttle had landed back aboard the Columbia and Erika was back on the bridge, sitting in the command chair.

�Well,� Erika said, grinning. �Shall we try this again Ms. Schneider?�

�Indeed we shall captain,� Rebecca answered with a smile. �Taking us out�again.�

Then, Amanda�s voice came over the comm.

�Banes to bridge,� she said. �Just so you know, we have repaired all systems and are fully operational, and we have received a few upgrades thanks to Commander Tucker.�

�Good to hear Amanda,� replied Erika. �Keep us in tip-top shape, bridge out.�

Shortly after that, Thou�s voice came over the comm. next.

�Sickbay to bridge,� she said. �I am informing you that Lieutenant Monroe was injured in that last battle and he will be incapacitated for at least one week as I have ordered.�

�Understood doctor,� Erika said. �I�ll inform him of his duties for when he returns, bridge out.�

Then, the Enterprise disappeared in a vertical flash of light and shortly after that, the Columbia also disappeared in a vertical flash of light.
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�Captain,� said Sovo. �Sensors are detecting an alien world approximately three light-years away.�

�Habited?� asked Erika.

�Unknown, I can not get a clear lock.�

�Environment?�

�From these readings, we may need the environmental suits, nothing to serious however.�

�Understood, alter course Ms. Schneider, head us to that planet.�

�Aye captain,� replied Rebecca.

The Columbia then slowly turned about while in warp and headed toward the planet, hours later a vertical flash of light opened and the Columbia came flying out and was now traveling toward the planet at impulse speed.

�Orbit the planet Rebecca,� Erika said. �Major Smith, prepare your MACOs for an away mission.�

�Aye captain,� replied Amy. �Sergeant, gather the others and meet me in the training room.�

�Yes ma�am,� replied Tommy.

Tommy then turned, entered the turbo elevator, and left the bridge.
Captain Hernandez then turned to the crewman who was standing in for Lieutenant Monroe.

�Prepare yourself as well crewman,� Erika said. �This will be your first away mission as well since Tyler cannot go.�

�Aye ma�am,� replied the crewman.

�Meet in the shuttle bay.�

The crewman nodded and left his post, allowing Commander Soval to sit there and take over tactical duties, Erika remained seated in her command chair.

�Are you coming ma�am?� asked Amy.

�No Major,� remarked Erika. �I�m not like Jonathan, I prefer to run the show from up here.�

�Aye ma�am.�

Amy then entered the turbo elevator herself and disappeared as the doors shut, Erika then turned to Soval.

�As soon as their shuttle is out commander,� Erika started. �Switch to tactical alert, polarize the hull plating, and lower the phase cannon.�

�Any reason captain?� Soval asked with a raised eyebrow.

�Just to be safe commander, we don�t need another incident like our Klingon one.�

�Aye captain.�

Hours later, Columbia�s shuttle pod one had left the shuttle bay and was making it�s way to the surface, the Columbia then switched to tactical alert, polarized its hull plating, and lower its phase cannon.
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Several minutes later, shuttle pod one had landed on the surface and the entire MACO squad got out, followed by the lone tactical crewman.

�Everyone here?� Amy asked, looking around.

�Aye ma�am,� replied everyone.

The away team started walking around the surface, the MACO�s fully equip and the crewman scanning the area with his handheld scanning device.

�Are you getting anything crewman?� asked Amy.

A few bleeps and blips later the crewman replied, �Aye ma�am. There appears to be a faint sign coming from that direction.�

Everyone looked to where the crewman was pointing and saw that it was dark and foggy; however, they knew their mission so continued forth�eventually disappearing into the thickening fog.
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�Can you read them Sovo?� Erika asked.

�No captain,� Sovo replied. �We had them for awhile, but they vanished from our readings once they entered some sort of fog like substance.�

�Try increasing the frequency, lets see if--�

Suddenly, the Columbia shook from the blasts of an alien starship, throwing sparks out of some consoles on the bridge and throughout the ship.

�Here we go again,� remarked Erika. �Break orbit Rebecca, evasive patterns.�

�Aye ma�am,� answered Rebecca. �Breaking orbit and engaging evasive patterns.�

The Columbia slowly moved away from the planet and toward it�s alien attacker, everything ready to fire.

�Shall I open fire?� Soval asked.

�No,� Erika said. �Try hailing them Zach, see if they�ll answer, unlike the Klingons.�

�Aye ma�am,� Zach replied. �Hailing�I�m getting something�it�s a reply.�

�On screen.�

The aliens face then appeared on the Columbia�s main view screen, but it wasn�t easy to make out, as the alien bridge was somewhat darkened.

�Greetings captain,� the alien said. �Is there a reason you are orbiting our planet and probing it with your vessels and people?�

�First off,� Erika started. �Why did you fire upon us?�

�To protect our world from your invasion forces, you see, we the Hymish. We are usually a peaceful race, but when forced into defense, we will do it. The shot you took to your vessel was a warning shot.�

�I see, well, forgive us for intruding. You see, we are just explorers from the planet Earth. I am Captain--�

�Erika Hernandez, of the Starfleet vessel U.S.S. Columbia NX-02.�

�How could you know that?� asked Soval.

�We have our ways commander, you Earth people are already quite popular around these parts. May we please invite you all to come aboard our vessel?�

�Actually, I�d prefer we use our vessel, nothing personal or anything, just Starfleet protocol.�

�It is understandable, we will dock and meet you aboard shortly, Hymish out.�

The face of the Hymishian clicked off of the main view screen and seconds later, the Hymishian vessel was moving towards the Columbia, who had depolarized the hull plating and stood down tactical alert, and within a few more seconds�the Hymishian vessel was fully docked with the Columbia; Captain Hernandez and Commander Soval were then standing at the docking port, awaiting the entrance of the Hymishian�s.
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Back on the surface, the away team had entered into the fog and found a vast city in the distance of it. This city was so vast, that it almost reminded them of San Francisco at nighttime back on Earth, the team slowly and cautiously continued toward the city, not knowing what to expect or what not to expect.

[Curtis]

Chapter Five:

A few minutes later, a team of Hymishian guards guarding the city jumped out and pointed their weapons at the away team�cursing at them in Hymishian and poking their zapper sticks at them.

�Any idea what these are?� Amy asked.

�I�d say they are some sort of shocking device,� replied Kai.

�I know that crewman, I meant what do you think these aliens are and what do they want?�

�Allow me ma�am,� replied Kelly. �Zach taught me some alien languages.�

Kelly stepped forward and immediately started talking in an alien language to the Hymishian guards. Within minutes, the guards bowed to her and escorted her and the away team into their vast city�leading them straight to the city�s temple at the center of the city.

�What did you say to them Ms. O�Donnell?� asked Amy.

�If I knew that I could tell you ma�am,� answered Kelly. �However, I think they are taking us to the city elder or something.�

�Understood,� started Amy. �Let us go along with this, Crewman Simpson�put the scanning device away to be on the safe side, everyone else, disengage your weapons.�

�Aye ma�am,� everyone replied.

Within a matter of minutes, the Hymishian guards stopped outside the temple and motioned for the away team to enter, the away team then disappeared into the temple�the temple doors shutting behind them.
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Suddenly, the docking port door opened and out walked the Hymishian captain and what appeared to be his first officer.

�Greetings captain,� Erika said. �Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Columbia NX-02, this is my first officer, Commander Soval.�

Soval bowed to the Hymishians and said, �It is most pleasant to meet you.�

�The same to you captain and commander,� replied the captain. �My name is Tallish and the is my second, Dignitary Sumac.�

�Pleasure to meet you both,� replied Soval. �Please, it is right this way to the bridge.�

Everyone then left the docking port entrance, after closing it and locking it, and then entered the turbo elevator�heading for the bridge.
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Suddenly, an alien vessel dropped out of warp just far enough so the Columbia could not detect them.

�The time is now,� said the alien captain. �Do they have an away team on the surface?�

�Affirmative captain,� replied the alien�s second. �And they have the Hymishian captain and his first onboard the Earth vessel orbiting the planet.�

�Excellent,� replied the alien captain. �Charge our disruptors and lock onto the Earth vessel, then send a team to capture the away team.�

�Yes your excellency,� replied the alien commander.

Then, the alien starship moved in closer and began firing on the Columbia, the Columbia then shook from the blast and sent sparks from some of the consoles.

�What�s going on?� asked Erika, stepping out of the turbo-lift.

�An alien vessel has opened fire on us ma�am,� Tyler said, reclaiming the tactical station.

�Species?� Erika asked.

�Unknown,� Tyler answered. �Here is what they look like though.�

Suddenly, an image of the firing alien vessel appeared on Columbia�s main view screen.

�Oh my god,� said Soval.

�What is it commander?�

�I know that starship, it belongs to our Vulcan cousins�they are known as the Romulans.�

�Romulans?�

�Yes captain. Several years ago, Vulcans and Romulans used to share nearly everything together, including a home world to some of the Romulans; however, they all moved back to Romulus several months ago when ties between the Vulcans and Romulans started to become weak. My guess is that it was a Romulan who had plotted with V�Las to destroy the Earth Embassy and the Andorian world; however, when they felt they were going to be discovered they had a final meeting with V�Las and then left, but V�Las most have told them something about annihilating your race.�

�I see commander,� Erika answered, as the Columbia shook from another series of blasts, now venting smoke onto the bridge from the ceiling by the command chair. �Break orbit Rebecca, ready the phase cannons Mr. Monroe, and the torpedoes.�

�Aye ma�am,� replied Tyler and Rebecca.

Then, the Columbia broke orbit around the planet and broke docking with the Hymishian vessel, then the Columbia and the Hymishian vessel began attacking the Romulan vessels together.

�I would watch yourself captain,� said Soval. �These are Romulan Warbirds and I am sure they have adapted the technology of cloaking by now as well as the Klingons.�

�Understood,� replied Erika. �I�ll keep that in mind.�

Suddenly, a Klingon Bird of Prey decloaked and began to engage the Romulan Warbird, completely ignoring the Columbia. Then, an Andorian vessel dropped out of warp and also engaged the Warbird.

�We are being hailed captain,� said Zach.

�By whom?� asked Erika.

�The Andorian vessel,� replied Zach. �And the Klingon vessel.�

�Patch the Andorian�s through first.�

�Aye ma�am.�

Then, Shran�s face appeared on the Columbia�s main view screen.

�Tell your Earth friend Captain Archer,� Shran started. �That he owes me three now!�

Shran�s face then disappeared from the view screen and the face of the Klingon captain appeared on it next.

�Do not think this is the end captain,� remarked the Klingon captain. �Just because we are assisting you does not mean we are allies! The only reason I am assisting is because the Romulans are our sworn enemies, and therefore must be eradicated from the universe to allow us total control.�

The Klingon captain�s face disappeared next and the main view screen went back to showing the ensuing battle. Just then, the U.S.S. Enterprise NX-01 dropped out of warp and also began engaging the Romulan Warbird.

�We�re being hailed by Captain Archer ma�am,� said Zach.

�On screen.�

Captain Archer�s face then appeared on the view screen as the Enterprise and Columbia shook from disruptor blasts.

�Are you guys alright Captain Hernandez?� asked Archer.

�We�re fine Jonathan,� Erika answered. �No thanks to you, the Klingons, and the Andorians. Oh, by the way, Shran says you owe him three now, whatever that�s about.�

�It�s a long story Erika, I�ll fill you in later if we have time.�

�Fair enough Jon, Columbia out.�

Captain Archer�s face then disappeared from the view screen and the screen again showed the battle. Columbia and Enterprise then flew side-by-side, phase cannons in firing position, and fired upon the Romulan Warbird as they flew over it together. Suddenly, the Romulan Warbird was venting some sort of matter from their hull.

�How much damage Tyler?� Erika asked.

�Severe damage,� Tyler answered. �We have damaged their cloak and their weapons, all they have is engines.�

�Did you try hailing them yet Zach?�

�Affirmative captain,� Zach answered. �They are responding.�

Just then, the face of the Romulan captain appeared on the Columbia�s main view screen.

�You may have won today�s battle Earth vessel,� said the Romulan captain. �But you will not win the war! Besides that�we have your away team and we�ll be taking them for interrogation.�

�Wait,� said Erika. �You--�

Then, the Romulan captain�s face disappeared from the main view screen and all the view screen showed was the Romulan Warbird jumping into warp and disappearing.

�Do you know where this Romulus is commander?� Erika asked.

�No captain,� replied Soval. �However, one of the Vulcan elders, or someone on Vulcan might.�

�Understood,� Erika answered, turning to Rebecca. �Set course for Vulcan, inform the aliens and Enterprise of our dilemma Zach.�

�Yes ma�am,� replied Rebecca and Zach.

Then, the Columbia also stretched like a rubber band, signaling that they had jumped into warp and were now heading for Vulcan.

[Voy_Girl]

Locked by request of the author.