Two Captains

Chapter 13

We drop out of warp and instantly we see massive debris from many ships floating aimlessly in space.

"Emergency evasives." Pike orders as some crew members on the bridge cry out. The bridge shakes a little.

"Running, sir." Sulu answers, and then the bridge jolts to the side, everyone falling to the left. Bones and I grab the railing next to us to keep us from falling as Sulu attempts to maneuver through all the debris without damaging the ship.

The ship tilts back almost to normal, but is still at a bit of an angle and the bridge shakes violently.

"Damage report."

"Deflector shields are holding."

"All stations." I barely hear through the commotion.

About 3/4 of a ship's hull is tilted vertically, and right in front of us.

"Full reverse. Come about starboard, 90°. Drop us down underneath them, Sulu." Pike orders Sulu, his voice loud and clear. Sulu drops us below it and the rim of the floating hull scrapes the Enterprise.

When we get out from underneath it everyone stares in shock at the gigantic Romulan ship which reminds me of a giant claw. I look back at Pike as he stares at it, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.

"Captain, they're locking torpedoes." Spock informs us.

"Divert auxiliary power from port nossel to forward shields." Pike orders, and right after, numerous torpedos fire at us from the Romulan ship.

At least one or two hits the ship and it jolts us to the side. I clutch the railing again with a death grip and I look at Jim, who looks back at me. Jim gives me the look of 'Told you so' and I give him the look of 'Not now, damn it!'

"Sulu, status report."

"Shields at 32%." Sulu answers. "Their weapons are powerful sir, we can't take another hit like that."

"Get me Starfleet Command."

"Captain," Spock turns to Pike and Pike looks back at him. "The Romulan ship has lowered some kind of high-energy pulse device into the Vulcan atmosphere. It's signal appears to be blocking our communications and transporter abilities."

"All power to forward shields. Prepare to fire all weapons." Pike orders, turning back to face the front of the bridge.

"Captain, we're being hailed." Uhura says a few moments later.

Suddenly a Romulan appears on screen.

"Hello." The Romulan says.

We stare in silence at him for a second, but then Pike speaks.

"I'm Captain Christopher Pike to whom am I speaking?"

The Romulan dips his head towards the screen, or in this case, Pike. "Hi Christopher, I'm Nero." He says.

"You've declared war against the Federation. Withdraw, and I'll agree to arrange a conference with Romulan leadership at a neutral location."

"I do not speak for the Empire." He pauses. "We stand apart." He pauses one more time. "As does your Vulcan crew member, isn't that right, Spock?" He tilts his head to his right.

Everyone turns to face Spock, questioning looks painted on their faces. Spock, who seems confused as well, stands up and looks at Nero.

"Pardon me I do not believe that you and I are acquainted." Spock says, walking forward until he stands next to Pike.

"No we're not." Nero answers. "Not yet." He pauses. "Spock, there's something I would like you to see." He looks at Pike. "Captain Pike, your transporter has been disabled. As you can see, by the rest of the armada, you have no choice. You will man a shuttle. Come aboard the Narada for negotiations. That is all."