Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [156]
“But Command had to inform the United Earth Council.
“And they jumped to the conclusion that this was true? Archer asked. “Theyve seen the Klingon recordings. How could they consider blaming Vulcan?
“ Captain, I dont need to remind you that many people have problems with the Vulcans. They have never understood why they held humanity back, insisting that humans were not ready to move into deep space.
Archer was having trouble accepting any of this. “The problems Ive had with the Vulcans over the years have never been a secret, Admiral. But I cant believe that Vulcan would ever
“No, neither do I. But I answer to Earths government, as do you, Captain. However, it has been suggested that Commander TPol be relieved and confined.
TPols only response was to lift a single eyebrow in an evident gesture of defiance. Reed looked on in openly astonished silence.
“With all due respect, sir, Ill be damned if Im throwing my exec into the brig.
Gardner held up a hand to forestall any further argument. “ I said it was suggested. While the Council believes their eyes, Starfleet believes there is a more devious force behind this. Youre not the only one fostering a new alliance; Starfleet shared all of this data with the Vulcans.
“Romulans, Archer offered. Finally someone at Command was listening. “The Romulans may have just found a way to defeat us without firing a shot. All they need to do is drive wedges of suspicion between members of the Coalition. And the best way to start is to convince one Coalition world that another member has turned against it.
“Admiral. Please dont tell me that Starfleet has gone so far as to place Soval and his aides under arrest.
“Captain, Gardner said in scolding tones. “Starfleet Command and the United Earth government dont want this Coalition to come apart any more than you do. But Starfleet will have to enforce Earths decisions once theyre made
“Fair enough, Admiral.
“Lets both hope that Earth understands that whatevers happening at Alpha Centauri and Calder is probably analogous to what those rogue Klingon ships did at Draylax.
Archer nodded. “ Enterprise is a lot closer to the Calder system than Alpha Centauri. At maximum warp we can reach Calder II in
Gardner interrupted him again. “No. The Calder II outpost is small and almost entirely defenseless. There probably wont be anything left of it by the time you arrive.
Archer glanced at Reed, whose rueful nod tacitly endorsed the admirals coldly factual tactical assessment.
“Understood, Archer said, facing his terminal again. “Well head straight to Alpha Centauri then, and do whatever we can to reinforce Centauri IIIs defenses.
“Negative, said the admiral. “Columbia is on her way, since shes already in the Alpha Centauri sector.
Archer couldnt believe Gardner wanted Columbia to face the threat alone. “Captain Hernandez deserves to have Enterprise at her back, he said. “Even if we have to get to the party a little bit late.
Looking a little regretful, the admiral shook his head again. “ No. Im afraid another problem has come up. Abackchannel joint operation that Command has been involved with. And Enterprise is the only vessel currently in position to deal with it in time.
Archer closed his eyes for a moment and stroked his forehead, behind which a knot of intense painan agony utterly unrelated to the aftermath of his combat on QonoShad begun to form. “Admiral, what could be a higher priority for Enterprise than whats happening right now at Alpha Centauri and Calder?
Archer was glad he was already sitting down when he heard the admirals answer: “A fuel carrier called the Kobayashi Maru.
FORTY-THREE
Tuesday, July 22, 2155 S.S. Kobayashi Maru, Gamma Hydra sector
J ACQUELINE S EARLES TRIED not to think about how much freefall always made her want to puke.
The Maru s bridge was as dark as a proverbial tomb until the dim, red emergency lighting reluctantly flared to life. Searles breathed a silent prayer of thanks that the fuel carriers perpetually expense-averse