Текст книги "Kobayashi Maru"

Автор книги: Andy Mangels

Соавторы: Michael Martin
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Brushing a lock of her blond hair away from her eyes, Fletcher stepped close to the command chair and leaned toward Hernandez. “Gardners not gonna be happy about this, she said in an almost conspiratorial tone. “After all, were supposed to be protecting the Coalition shipping lanes from pirates and litterbugs, arent we?

Hernandez favored her exec with a wry smile. “Werent you just complaining about how much patrol duty bores you?

“Lets just say that boredom is infinitely preferable to reenacting the Charge of the Light Brigade, Fletcher said quietly.

“Dont worry, Veronica, Hernandez said with a grim chuckle. “Well scout out the situation first and assess the odds. Then whether we stay or fall back will be up to the captains discretion.

Fletchers reply was preceded by a bantering smirk. “Thats very reassuring, Captain. You have always been the very soul of discretion.

An excited exclamation from Ensign Valerian interrupted Hernandezs rejoinder. “Admiral Gardners on the line, the com officer said, looking surprised.

“Very efficient, Sidra, Fletcher said.

The com officers brogue thickened even further. “Commander, I didnt raise him. Hescalling us.

“He must have a spy aboard, Fletcher said quietly, her voice obviously pitched for the captains ears alone. Hernandez couldnt always quite tell when she was kidding. “Or maybe hes bugged our helm console.

Hernandez ignored the comment. Nodding to the com officer as she rose from her command chair, she said, “Ill take it in my ready room.

“Admiral Gardner, Hernandez said as she seated herself at her small and perpetually cluttered desk. Fortunately, she had taken the liberty of pushing the stacks of paper, books, and two coffee cups safely out of the admirals line of sight. “Please go ahead, sir.

The subspace‑transmitted image of the stern‑faced man displayed on her ready‑room terminal began speaking without any preamble. “Captain, an emergency situation has arisen.

“Draylax, she said.

Gardner nodded soberly as he ran a hand across his duranium‑colored crew cut. “Its a potentially explosive situation.

“Were already on our way there at maximum warp, sir. My com officer was about to advise you of our course change. Well reach Draylax in less than four hours.

Assuming we dont get sent back out on pirate patrol in the meantime,she added silently.

“Outstanding, Captain,Gardner said with the faintest hint of a smile. “The Draylaxians are in considerable danger, given their relatively limited defensive and tactical capabilities. Even a singleNX‑ class starship could make all the difference.

“Well do everything we reasonably can to assist the Draylaxians, Hernandez said, nodding. “And to limit the loss of life.

“Of that I have no doubt, Captain. Nevertheless, I need to emphasize just how critically important Draylax is to the Coalition.

Unbidden, a frown creased Hernandezs brow. “I thought the Draylaxians had refused Coalition membership. Like the government of the nearby Porriman civilization in the Gamma Virginis system, with whom Hernandez had recently concluded a series of negotiations that had proved both lengthy and fruitless, the Draylaxians remained stubbornly determined to protect their sovereignty by avoiding large‑scale diplomatic entanglements.

“They have,Gardner said with a grave shake of his head. “Which is a damned shame for us.

“Im not sure I understand, Admiral, Hernandez said, blinking involuntarily.

He leaned forward slightly. “Ive just conferred with Minister Samuels. He and I are in agreement that if Earth could get another nonhuman civilization or two to apply for Coalition membership right now, Captain, it would go a long way toward smoothing the ruffled feathers of the Vulcans, the Andorians, and the Tellarites over Earths position favoring full membership status for Alpha Centauri. Our intervention in the current crisis might persuade the Draylaxians that joining the Coalition is in their best interests after all.

“My only interest is in saving lives, Admiral, Hernandez said, shaking her head. “The galactic political horse‑trading behind all of this really doesnt concern me all that much.

“Im afraid ithas to concern younow, Captain,Gardner said, his voice evoking the cold solidity of hull metal. “Were involved in this matter regardless. Even though Draylax isnt a Coalition member, it has recently entered a mutual defense pact with one of its closest neighbors: Alpha Centauri.

“And were already committed to the defense of Alpha Centauri, Hernandez said. A slow, sinking feeling began tugging her guts inexorably downward.

The admiral nodded. “Alpha Centauri is one of the United Earth governments Coalition partners, which has its own separate mutual defense compact with Earth. Therefore Starfleet is legally required to treat an attack on Alpha Centauri as if it were an attack on Earth. We are obliged to protect Alpha Centauris treaty partners as well.

“So we have to treat an attack on Draylax as though it were an attack against Alpha Centauri, Hernandez said. Her stomach was now in free fall.

“Or against Earth itself,Gardner said, nodding.

Hernandez recalled a history course shed taken at the Academy, in which she had studied the complex diplomatic cats cradle of mutually interlocking defense agreements that had bound the European nations of the early twentieth century. With so many countries prepared to deploy their armies in defense of so many allies, all it had taken was the assassination of one man in an obscure Balkan country to plunge most of the planet into the bloodiest war humanity had ever experienced up to that time.

“So Im afraid you may have to do a bit more than whatever you reasonably can, Captain,the admiral continued, his gaze hard yet also sympathetic. “Youhave to defend Draylax. To the death, if thats what it comes to.Columbia is therefore to be considered expendable so long as Draylax remains in jeopardy.

And while the Coalitions nonhuman members remain in a snit over the Alpha Centauri business, or Draylax continues to stay out of the alliance,Hernandez thought sourly. She could only hope that something other than the blood of her crew would become the coin that purchased peace within the Coalition, if such a thing was even possible.

“Aye, aye, sir. Do we know who the attackers are, Admiral?

“Klingons,Gardner said after a pregnant pause. “Three battle cruisers, according to the reports weve just received.

Hernandez nodded, though she wasnt encouraged. “I hope we arrive in time to do some good. Once we get there, well hold them off as long as we can, Admiral. Im sure Major Foyle and his MACOs will give the Klingons one hell of a fight.

She could only hope that Doctor Metzgers sickbay would be spared the baptism of fire that the MACOs were about to face.

The admiral nodded again, his eyes glistening with unshed moisture. “I know youall will do your best, Captain Hernandez. Godspeed to you and your crew. Gardner out.And with that, his image vanished.

Oh, well,she thought. “Captains discretion has always been overrated anyway.

She reached across her desk and punched a button on the compad built into the desk beside her computer terminal.

“Hernandez to engineering, she said.

The Austrian chief engineer replied in his customary blunt Teutonic tones. “Lieutenant Graylock here, Captain.

“We need to get to Draylax as quickly as possible, Karl. I need you to push it a little bit past the redline. Again.

“I suppose my engine core can manage warp five point two for an hour or so without vaporizing us completely,he said, an undercurrent of dour humor buoying his grim words. “Anything else, sir?

“Just try to keep us in one piece, Karl.

“That complicates things a bit, Captain, butja, I think my people can handle it. Ill make Biggs and Pierce get out and push if I have to. And Ill set Rivers and Strong to running in the hamster wheel.

Smiling, she said, “Thanks, Karl. Hernandez out. She pressed another button. “Hernandez to com.

Ensign Valerians crisp reply came half a heartbeat later. “Bridge, Captain.

“Sidra, isnt Enterprises patrol route supposed to take her into this sector about now?

“Aye, Captain, I believe it is.

That struck Hernandez as suspiciously like a good omen, though she was far too experienced an officer to put much stock in such things. “Try to raise them. I need to speak with Captain Archer as soon as possible.

“Aye, Im on it, sir,the com officer said. “Ill transfer the connection to your ready room once its established.

“Thank you, Sidra. Hernandez out.

She hadnt decided yet whether she was calling because she wanted to ask for Jonathans help, or because she merely needed the emotional closure of a last farewell.

FOURTEEN

Friday, July 18, 2155 Enterprise NX‑01

C APTAIN J ONATHAN A RCHER COULD FEELhis pulse accelerating as he left his ready room and stepped onto the bridge. His conversation with Erika Hernandez had crossed over the time of Enterprises early‑morning shift‑change, so while most of his alpha‑watch crew were already on deck, his gamma‑watch commander, D.O., was still seated in the captains chair, going over reports on a datapad.

“Ensign Mayweather, your console should be receiving a set of coordinates near Draylax in a moment, Archer said before acknowledging ONeill or any of the others. “Set a course there immediately, maximum warp.

He spoke up then, looking around at the other members of the bridge crew. He noticed that a few faces were missing; TPols absence was to be expected, but he had assumed he would see Malcolm Reed at his usual place behind the tactical station. “It appears that the Klingons have launched an attack near Draylax, he announced loudly. “Captain Hernandez is taking Columbiathere now. Weare going to be her backup.

“Is this the first strike of a war? ONeill asked, surrendering the captains chair to Archer as she stood. Alarm was etched on her features.

“Were not sure yet, D.O., Archer said. “All we really know so far is that three heavily armed Klingon warships are fighting their way toward the Draylax systems main population centers. Draylaxs entire defense fleet may not be up to fending them off, and Admiral Gardner has ordered Columbiato assist them.

“And Enterprise? ONeill asked warily.

“Gardner hasnt given us any new orders yet, but I expect that to change soon enough.

“Forgive me, sir, but isnt sending Starfleets two best ships to deal with this a bit of overkill? Mayweather asked, turning from his console. “Draylax isnt even part of the Coalition of Planets.

“That may be, Travis, but Earth has a mutual defense arrangement with Draylax, Archer said, taking his seat and toggling a switch on one of its arms. “Burch, I need full warp capability. We have to push this ship to her limits. And make certain all weapons ports and hull‑plating polarization protocols are triple‑checked. We may be seeing some action soon.

“Right away, sir,Burch replied, his voice issuing from the com unit on Archers chair.

Archer reached for a datapad that ONeill was patiently holding out to him. “How was the night shift, D.O.? Did I miss anything interesting?

ONeill, a petite redhead, smiled grimly. “Not really, sir. We encountered a cloud of debris at about oh‑three‑hundred. Drifting ice crystals that must have been the remnant of some long‑dead comet. But they apparently werent substantial enough to even fog up the windows.

“Wheres Malcolm? Archer asked, gesturing toward the tactical station that the enthusiastic Englishman usually manned during the alpha‑watch hours.

“He called in sick earlier, D.O. said, her smile slipping into a frown. “Said he must have had a bad reaction to some of Chefs food. Unless we wanted to have him hitting the head every five minutes, it didnt make sense to have him on duty.

Archer grinned and lowered his voice. “Malcolm and his sensitive stomachits a wonder hes ever able to fly at all sometimes. I assume Phlox will have some kind of antidiarrheal to settle him down. He squinted for a moment, scrolling through a personnel roster in his mind. “Who do we have to replace him? Yoc? Beaton?

“If you dont mind, sir, Ill take Reeds post myself, ONeill said. “I didnt really have any plans for my off‑duty time today, and Im not terribly tired.

Archer clapped a hand on the lieutenants shoulder and stood. “Suit yourself, D.O. Have some food ordered up from the mess though; cant have your stomach rumbling so loudly it drowns out the com system. But before you take over that post, I have a call to make from my ready room. You have the bridge again until Im done with that.

Turning toward the communication station, Archer saw that Hoshi Sato was frowning as she studied her com‑system displays. “Whats wrong, Hoshi? he asked, moving toward her.

“I know you said it was all right for a certaincrew member to make private subspace transmissions off the main system, Sato said, keeping her voice low even as she glanced sideways to make sure that none of the other bridge crew were standing near enough to overhear her. “But I think we should put them in the official logs.

Archer frowned. “Do any of these transmissions pose a problem?

“Im not sure, Hoshi said, shrugging. “But another, significantly longertransmission went out last night.

“And?

“ Enterprises clocks happen to be roughly synchronized with the region on the planet to which the transmission was sent, Sato said, carefully leaving out the name of the planet they both knew they were discussing: Vulcan. “The transmission went out at about oh‑three‑thirty hours. That seems like an odd time to be dealing with personal business back home.

Archer waved his hand to one side. “Ive given up on what seems odd when it comes to those particular people, Hoshi. Thanks for alerting me, but Im not overly concerned about it.

“Yes, sir, Sato said, though her expression showed that she wasnt entirely placated.

“Besides, we have bigger fish to fry right now, Archer said. “I need you to raise Admiral Krell of the Klingon Defense Force. Pipe it through to my ready room after you set up the connection.

Minutes later, Archer found himself pacing in his small ready room office, wishing that any of his closest companions aboard the ship were present to consult with him regarding the trials that lay ahead: TPol, Trip, Malcolmeven Porthos was good for counsel from time to time. It wasnt that he couldnt make decisions on his own, but hed always found it best to bounce ideas off his trusted friends, even if, ultimately, he went with his own gut feeling more often than not. But at the moment his most trusted friends were either “dead, hallucinating, running to the bathroom, or sleeping on the pillow at the foot of his bed.

Two chimes sounded from the com unit mounted on the wall. “I have Admiral Krell,Satos voice announced from the speaker.

Archer crossed back behind his desk, tilting the desktop viewscreen up even as he remained standing. The visual pickup would be looking up at him, giving him a subtle if slight psychological advantage. “On‑screen, Archer said.

Less than a year had passed since Archer had first tangled with Krell, when the hostile fleet admiral had been intent on destroying the Klingon Empires own QuVat colony, including its inhabitants: Klingons who had been infected with genetically mutated augment virus. Although Doctor Phlox had succeeded in synthesizing a cure for the plaguepartially by using Archer as a guinea pig to create antibodiesKrell still attempted to go ahead with the colonys destruction, personally leading a trio of Klingon battle cruisers against both Enterpriseand Columbia.

It was only after a canister containing the metagenic QuVat virus ended up aboard the admirals shipdispersing an aerosolized virus and infecting the Klingon leader and his crewthat Krell called off the attack on QuVat in favor of perfecting a cure to the illness.

The viewscreen before Archer melted to black for an instant before the shadowed face of the Klingon fleet admiral appeared to replace it. Archer recognized the mane of white and brown hair, and the white goatee with a center braid that defined Krells aggressive appearance. But something seemed subtly different about him. When Krell leaned forward, the difference immediately became clear.

“What do you want, Archer?Krell asked. He sounded as angry as he had during the confrontation at QuVat, and a pair of large hooked teeth still protruded from beneath his upper lip, but the dusky‑hued ridged Klingon that Archer had seen before was gone. In his place was a more human‑looking Klingon with less pronounced ridges. He looked more like a swarthy human pirate from Earths South Sea islands than he did a Klingon warrior.

“Why have your ships attacked Draylax, Admiral? Archer said, not allowing his expression to convey any shock at the change that time and retroviruses had wrought upon the warrior whose visage once could have made children cry.

“I have no idea what youre talking about,human, Krell said, emphasizing the final word as if it were a curse.

“Three of your vessels have attacked Draylax without provocation. Youhave command of the fleet, Admiral. Order them to withdraw.

Krell sneered and leaned back again into the shadows behind him. “You credit me with too much power, Captain. There aremany admirals and generals who wield authority in the Klingon Empire, and myinfluence has been reduced of late due tocertainchanges that have occurred.

“Changes within the Klingon military, or changes to you? Archer asked, pressing the point. “I cant imagine that youd let anybody take any authority away from you, Krell. It was always my impression that youwere one of the most powerful warriors who ever drew a blade on QonoS.

Krell wound his beard‑braid around one finger, tilting his head to crack his neck languidly. “Your flattery is noted, Captain, but your understanding of a warriors place in our society is lacking. Especially when such a warrior has been infected with a pernicious disease.

“But you helped to bring an end to the disease, and stability to the Empire, Archer said, exaggerating the truth to almost elephantine proportions. “That should have brought you commendations and honors.

“Perhaps if I had not been changed by the virus, that would be true,Krell said, leaning forward again and growling into his monitor. “Your physician is responsible for my shame. His perfidy has bought him my undying enmity. I will one day paint the walls of my cabin with his blood.

Archer stood his ground. “What does yourshame have to do with Draylax? Are you so spiteful that you would be willing to strike the first blow of a war in a system that can barely defend itself? Is thatthe legacy you would leave to your children?

“First, even if the Empire were to engage in the attack you speak of, it should be no cause of concern for you humans, or your so‑called Coalition of Planets,Krell said, all but growling his words. “You are meddling in interstellar affairs that are beyond your grasp.

“Second, the Klingon Empire has ordered no hostilities against Draylax. If we had, I would know about them.

Krell moved in closer, until his angry face nearly filled the monitor completely. “I have not sworn a blood oath against you, Archer, but that can change. Whatever tenuous honor you have accrued inside the Empire in exchange for your help in curing the metagenic virus is balanced on the tip of adk tahg. Be careful that you do not slip down the edge to your doom.

The screen abruptly went black, and Archer realized a few seconds later that he was holding his breath. Even across light‑years and through a viewscreen, an angry Klingon could be both formidable and intimidating. He hoped he wouldnt have to encounter Krell in the flesh any time soon.

More importantly, he hoped that the fleet admiral hadnt been lying to him. But if the Empire really had not authorized the hostilities now being directed at Draylax, then what was really behind the danger toward which Erika Hernandez and Columbias crew were hurtling at this very moment?

To say nothing of his own people, who were speeding toward the very same fate just as quickly as Henry Archers mighty warp‑five engine could carry them.

FIFTEEN

Friday, July 18, 2155 Columbia NX‑02

“W E DONT HAVEany other choice, Captain Erika Hernandez said, feeling a single cold bead of sweat escaping her hairline and moving down between her shoulder blades.

Sitting at the edge of her captains chair, she spoke to her senior helm officer in a steady voice. “Evasive maneuvers, Mister Akagi. Every salvo you dodge will earn you an extra hour of sack time every day for a week.

“ Hai,Captain, said Lieutenant Reiko Akagi. Hernandez didnt need to see the pilots face to know that she was smiling broadly even as her hands deftly moved over the ships helm controls.

Hernandez turned partially around, catching the worried glance of her XO, Commander Veronica Fletcher, before her own gaze settled on Lieutenant Kiona Thayer, her senior tactical officer. “Kiona, bring to bear everything youve got. I have a feeling this could be the fight of our lives.

As hyperbolic as that statement might have sounded, Hernandez suspected it would prove not to be an exaggeration once the battle was through. I hope were still around then to debate that,she thought grimly.

But the odds didnt look good. Even as Columbiahad arrived at Draylax, the three Klingon battle cruisers began firing on the planet below, even though several expanding clouds of glittering metallic debris provided mute testimony that they had already dispatched Draylaxs defense ships some time ago. Fletcher had noted that the Klingons appeared to have been holding back, as though they had been waiting for Columbiato decelerate into orbit around the principal inhabited planet of the Draylax system. Hernandez had to admit that the tableau before her looked suspicious as hell.

Damn, I wish Archer was here along with his ship,she thought. The last time they had faced a trio of Klingon cruisersabove the QuVat colonyit had been shewho had helped him. At least two Starfleet ships against three Klingon vessels had seemed a fairer fight; this time it would be three against one.

She toggled a switch on her chairs com unit. “Lieutenant Graylock, whatever you do, dont be stingy with the power to our hull plating. Were about to take some heavy fire. She didnt wait for his affirmative reply; she didnt need to. He was as good a chief engineer as Tucker had been during his brief time aboard this vessel, before hed been billeted back to Enterprise.

“Take her down to block the disruptor cannons, Hernandez said. “Polarize the hull plating, and double it up here on the bridge and in engineering.

She turned toward Fletcher. “Veronica, get Major Foyle and the MACOs ready for a ship‑to‑ship transport. I know itll be risky, so let them know that its not mandatory. Volunteers only. But if we can catch even oneof their ships with its proverbial pants down, we might be able to get our guys on board and take over.

Fletcher nodded and moved swiftly to a com station to call Foyle. Hernandez knew that there probably would be few volunteers. MACOs might be brave to a fault once they get to the battle, but I doubt that many of them trust the transporter enough to risk buying the farm with it before they get close enough to see the whites of the enemies eyes,she thought gloomily.

Still, she had wanted to try that maneuver for a while now, and the time to try seemed to have arrived at last. The Klingons might not suspect such a bold gambit when they so clearly outnumbered their opponent. Just imagine what we could learn if we actually manage to capture one of their cruisers,Hernandez thought. The idea sent an added jolt of adrenaline surging into her veins.

“Coming into effective weapons range in forty seconds, Captain, Akagi said. The bridges main viewscreen showed one of the battle cruisers directly in Columbias flight path.

“Give me one more hail, Sidra, Hernandez shouted back to her communications officer, Ensign Sidra Valerian. When she saw the red “go ahead light appear at the bottom of the viewscreen, she squared her shoulders and put on her best “scolding teacher face.

“Klingon cruisers, this is Captain Erika Hernandez of the United Earth Starship Columbia. You must cease fire immediately, or we will open fire on yourvessels. Your continued aggression will be considered an act of war not only against Draylax, but also against Earth and Alpha Centauri.

“The central ship is charging her weapons, Thayer shouted.

“Then so do we, Hernandez said, leaning forward in her chair. “Employ evasive maneuvers, and send them a full phase cannon salvo, maximum intensity. The tactical alert lights activated even as she gave the command, casting the bridge into forbidding shadows.

The viewscreen image changed as the ship arced between the central Klingon cruiser and the blue‑white planet below it, as the hull‑mounted sensors realigned the sweep of their imagers. Hernandez saw two bright greenish arcs exit the belly of the Klingon ship, and she braced herself for their arrival, digging her fingers into the arms of her chair.

Columbiashuddered as the disruptor beams struck the primary hull, causing the viewscreen image to crackle and waver momentarily.

“Hull plating down fifteen percent, Lieutenant Commander el‑Rashad shouted from his science station. “The other two ships are altering their trajectories. Looks like theyre going to try to catch us in a crossfire.

Hernandez studied the main viewer, where the other two enemy ships were indeed moving toward positions flanking Columbia. “You know that tactic youve been wanting to try for far too long, Reiko? The Niagara Barrel Roll?

She thought she heard a gulp of surprise coming from the woman at the helm. “Are you certain now is the time?

“If not, we might not get another chance, Hernandez said. She toggled her com unit, tying into the shipwide intercom system. “All hands, brace yourselves. Were gonna have a bit of a tumble. Tapping another button, she said, “Karl, youre gonna need to make surethat the inertial dampers hold up.

Akagi had once told her that despite her Japanese heritage, the one thing she loved more than anything else on Earth was quintessentially North American: roller coasters. Hernandez couldnt stand them herself, and thought the simulation rides she had endured in Starfleets flight training program had to be more than realistic enough to satisfy whatever death wish seemed to motivate roller‑coaster aficionados.

“Theyre charging their tubes, ready to fire, el‑Rashad shouted. “All three cruisers!

As the viewscreen showed the first hint of green energy coming from a disruptor bank on one Klingon ships ventral side, Hernandez heard herself give an order. “Roll it, Reiko!

The words seemed to leave her lips in slow motion, but the reaction to them was anything but slack. As Akagi manipulated the controls, Columbiabegan to twist in a corkscrew fashion. The ships hull groaned as it spun, and Hernandez felt almost as though she were trapped in a high‑speed centrifuge despite the accelerated inputs to the artificial gravity plating and the inertial compensation system. The maneuver overwhelmed the hull sensors, transforming the image on the central viewscreen into a jumbled and pixelated mess, but the fact that the ship hadnt encountered a disruptor blastor sixin the several seconds since the cruisers had opened fire seemed to imply that the maneuver had worked.

At least for the moment.

“Get us steady and return fire! Hernandez shouted. A few moments later the ship seemed to lurch toward its port side, pulling everyone on the bridge a bit off balance.

“Firing now, Thayer said emphatically, as gravity and inertia returned to their proper ratio, and the viewscreen rebooted to display a short‑lived blue wash of outgoing phase‑cannon fire.

The image cleared quickly; just ahead was the battle cruiser that had been farthest from Columbiaat the outset of the battle. Hernandez could see clearly that Columbias phase cannons had communicated very clearly with the hostile vessels aft engine areas.

An instant later, the Klingon warships impulse engines exploded, sending a bright sphere of plasma expanding into space as the interior gases escaped and ignited. The conflagration quickly caught on throughout the hull‑ruptured cruiser, and in moments both the secondary and primary hulls exploded as well, sending jagged hunks of debris and the remains of the vessels burning nacelle pylons and long, fractured neck tumbling in random directions, with some pieces falling toward the planet while others tumbled outward into space.

“Good shooting, Kiona, Hernandez said, excited despite the fact that she would have preferred to avoid the engagement with the Klingons entirely. Good intentions aside, Hernandez knew that she was committed now to fight to the finishand that the two remaining cruisers would be even tougher to stop now that blood had been drawn. There will be no negotiating now.

“Bring us about, and lets see if we can keep the other two off‑kilter. She realized that even though her stomach was still lurching a bit from the spin maneuver, it had worked very well indeed. She didnt expect it to become a standard maneuver, however.

“Were receiving a hail, Ensign Valerian said from her station at the rear of the bridge.

“Are the Klingons finally coming to their senses? Hernandez asked with a smirk. She knew better; the most likely reason they were calling was to spew invective and to make threats about feasting on her entrails or some other such macho nonsense.

“Not exactly, Valerian said.

The image of two menacing Klingon cruisers set against the star‑flecked blackness beyond Draylax vanished, to be replaced by a far warmer and more welcoming sight: Captain Jonathan Archer and the bridge of Enterprise.

“Think you could use a hand, Captain?Archer said, a grim smile on his lips.

“Well, I havent been able to talk any sense into them so far, Captain, Hernandez said, gesturing outward as if toward the Klingons. “In fact, theyve ignored all our hails and warnings. We had to destroy one of their ships before you got here.