Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [7]
Hernandez grinned. “Well, dont keep us in suspense, Commander.
TPol nodded. “Minister TPau has just sent us a response to your request for assistance with ourpredicament out here in Earths shipping lanes.
Archer felt his spirits buoying, however cautiously. “How many Vulcan ships can she send to reinforce us?
TPol shook her head almost sadly. “None at the moment, unfortunately. Vulcans military resources are still stretched somewhat thin because of the Coridan relief efforts, and that situation is unlikely to change soon. However, Minister TPau has made an urgent request of her own.
Archers brow furrowed. “Of us?
“Of the United Earth government, the United Earth Space Probe Agency, and the Coalition of Planets Security Council, TPol said, sounding almost pleased. “Minister TPau is well aware of Starfleets insistence that Earths fastest ships be kept on continuous patrol along the shipping convoy routes. She agrees, however, that Starfleets time and resources would be put to better use trying to reach the true root of our current piracy problem. As, incidentally, do I.
Archer grinned. “Your support is anything but incidental to me, TPol. Especially now . With his old friend Trip Tucker still officially listed as killed in the line of dutyand therefore unavailable as a sounding board for the foreseeable futureArcher had come to depend on his first officers input more than he ever had before.
“Well, its nice that somebody on high agrees with the three of us, Hernandez said. “Its just too bad that Minister TPau really cant do a lot of effective arm-twisting inside Starfleet, or in Earths government.
Archer shrugged. “Granted. But Im betting that wont matter as much as her influence over the Coalition Council.
“Indeed, said TPol, nodding. “While she cannot order anyone outside the Vulcan government to do anything, Minister TPaus sway with the other Coalition Security Council members is considerable.
“Do you think shell come to Earth to address the Counciland make our case for us? Hernandez wanted to know.
TPol shook her head. “Minster TPaus present duties overseeing the rebuilding of the Vulcan government and the Coridan relief efforts will keep her away from Earth for at least another few weeks.
“A lot can happen out on the Romulan front in another few weeks, Archer said, his earlier rising arc of hope now sliding inexorably into a downward parabola of despair.
“True, TPol said. “However, under the Coalitions parliamentary rules, the authorities of every member world must consent to meet with any surrogate that Minister TPau appoints to speak before the Security Councilso long as whomever she nominates is willing to do so. The ministers only question is whether or not you are willing to serve as that surrogate, Captain Archer.
Archer allowed a smile to begin spreading very slowly across his lips before he answered. “And not even Admiral Gardner himself can stop me.
“Not unless he wishes to commit a direct violation of the Coalition Compact, TPol said. “What should I tell the minister?
Archer did a few quick back-of-the-envelope calculations in his head. Enterprise was on the inbound leg of this latest iteration of her Sisyphean journey, three to four days out from Earth at maximum warp, as near as he could figure.
“Tell her Ill be on Earth just as soon as Enterprise can get us there, he said. “And with bells on.
One of TPols eyebrows launched itself skyward again. “Respectfully, Captain, I would recommend a more dignified choice of apparel. However, I will advise Minister TPau of your decision. And I shall instruct Ensign Mayweather to make best speed for Earth. With that, she turned back toward the door and exited, leaving Archer alone with the subspace-transmitted image of his fellow starship captain.
“Vulcan, Jon? Thats one hell of a back channel. Not exactly part of the officers manual.
His smile widened into a broad, triumphant grin. “When have you ever known me to stand