“Open a channel.”
Archer had expected a more dramatic message from the Andorians, who kept their contact at a minimum unless there was some kind of emergency, so he was surprised when he found out that their concerns were of a research and scientific nature.
He was so surprised that he opted to take the call in private, in his office. He sensed that there was something else that Shran wanted to tell him.
Jonthan Archer slumped angrily into his favorite office chair. Selek stood across from him, tempted to sit down but still fighting the need to stay aloof.
“Shran,” he said curtly into the monitor, “did you really stop me for this?”
“Wasn’t my idea, Pinkskin,” Shran was secretly grateful for the ability to speak freely. “But the Andorian Imperial Guard does have some pertinent ongoing scientific concerns, believe it or not. My opinion is that this mission is beneath the Kumari, but the high command says otherwise.”
The explanation given on the bridge, that the Andorians needed help taking some readings from the nearby star and a fledgling planet for its potential as an energy source, which is something that would benefit the Federation, was believable enough. But why did they need help from Enterprise?
“Is that why you need our help? Because the Kumari doesn’t have the facilities?”
“It’s not about the science,” Shran explained. “Our ships are built mainly for battle. They can maneuver well enough, but this young star is dangerous, unpredictable. We haven’t lost any scouting ships, but a few have been in distress in the midst of their research. The Kumari can’t get close enough, but we think the Enterprise can.”
Their location in space was nearing the HD 100546 star system[1], a galaxy that Terran astronomers had first discovered in the 20th century. Its young stars and forming planets were a source of fascination among scientists on a galactic level.
Selek recalled what information he knew about the star system, which Vulcans had already been studying for a long time. At a mere 10 million years old, it was the astronomical equivalent of a gurgling baby, a rare find in a universe of old red dwarves and hot yellow stars. New planets formed in the large belt of gas and dust that surrounded HD 100546. It burned so brightly humans could see it from the confines of planet Earth, a fuzzy smear in the constellation Musca, an ancient constellation deep in the southern sky.
In the early days when it was first mapped and named, the constellation was called The Fly, but it was renamed the Bee in 1603. Celestial globes of the period often depicted it as just out of reach of the nearby Chameleon, and even in the 24th century, it remained the only constellation in human history that depicted an insect.
The absence or collapse of insects on a planetary level means the death of whole ecosystems. Bees in particular are crucial to plant life, the basis of most life on any planet where photosynthesis and a food chain also exist.
A perfectly logical coincidence in a galaxy with a million billion stars.
Selek had to admit that despite Archer’s suspicions, this could be productive from a research standpoint and earn a gold star for a mission that remained controversial on earth.
“Planet B has surprised even our scientists, but the gravity of the star makes studying the planet at close range difficult. Our engineers have a plan, however, and all it would take is a small and temporary addition to your ship.”
Archer leaned in closer and let Shran continue before another terse interruption.
“…and of course you won’t object to the Chief Engineer’s close personal supervision?”
This time, it was Selek that leaned in. Shran exhaled, a reaction that Archer took for resignation.
“This is a delicate device, Captain,” Shran answered. “I expect your Engineers to treat it with respect.”
Archer didn’t have a good reason to say no. If he was to refuse out of caution or suspicion, the Andorians might take it as an insult, or even worse, judge him as a skittish coward. Besides, it wasn’t like Andorians hadn’t been on the ship before.
“I’ll put you through to Commander Tucker. He’ll direct your team.”
Shran had not exhaled in resignation, but relief. It seemed that Archer was going to allow the installation of their research device. Tucker could look all he wanted; he wouldn’t find anything strange about it.
Archer snorted and stormed out of his office. Selek followed him, anxious to get a look at the bridge.
“Reed, what’s the status on the Andorian research party?”
“Currently heading towards Engineering, sir,” the Lt answered curtly. “Everything seems to be in order.”
“Keep an extra eye on them,” He spoke to both T’Pol and Reed.
After a long and contemplative look at the bridge of the Enterprise, Selek followed.
[1] This is a real thing – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_100546.
