Subin and Shran

Demilitarization

            “You really didn’t expect me to hold a negotiation on Andoria after being attacked by Orions?”

            “This planet is a virtual wasteland.” Subin, the Vulcan negotiator, stood in front of Archer while they waited for the Andorian representative to join them on the surface. “We are not in the habit of making treaties in the middle of nature.”

            “You marry in the outdoors, you hold your religious ceremonies outdoors, don’t tell me this place is any less suitable than Vulcan or Andoria. It also has the distinction of being private and neutral.”

            “Very well. I have no objection to these ruins for our conference. I would like some appropriate furniture, however, to be beamed down. I’d prefer not to sit on a rock.”

            “By all means,” Archer replied. He knew Subin from the Coalition of Planets charter conferences; he had one associate with him. Archer stood with Commander Sato, and after a few moments, while the furniture beamed in, two Andorians also transported to the surface. Commander Shran and Archer had known each other more than a decade. The Andorian had helped Starfleet when the Vulcans didn’t during the Xindi War. Archer had helped Shran rescue his child who’d been kidnapped. Although there had been some unpleasant situations early on, they soon realized that they were two of a kind, and working together had been an advantage to both of them.

            Given few choices, the party set up in a large abandoned structure, only a single story high. It appeared as if it might get sunlight for most of the daytime, however long that might be. The orange star gave off enough light and heat, but humans and Vulcans both brought additional outerwear. The Andorians felt it was tolerable, and thus the process began.  And it went on. And it went on all day into the night.   

“That’s the concession. It may not happen tonight, or tomorrow, or even next year. But both worlds must abandon their militaries for 10 Earth years. The Federation will be your neutral military.”

“It’s preposterous!” Shran insisted, pounding his fist on the table. “You know that the Imperial Guard will never agree.”

“You have to convince them, “Archer insisted, sitting calmly at the end of the table. “Didn’t you come prepared to negotiate on their behalf?” He looked over at Subin. Raising his brows and tilting his head, he waited to hear if cooperation would come from their government through Subin.

“Since the dissolution of the High Command, I believe this might be a solution Vulcan can embrace. However, a 10 year hiatus may leave our technology far behind compared to other worlds.”

“Really,” echoed Shran’s sarcastic remark. “That’s what you’re worried about?”

“With the High Command dissolved,” Archer said to Shran, “we’ve seen a significant change in the cooperation and transparency of the Vulcan government. I think this might be the only solution. I am authorized to speak on behalf of Starfleet. This is it, or you two can just keep fighting and forget about the Federation - .”

“We have had a space militia for centuries, Archer! You can’t possibly expect that to be a reasonable solution for us. For the emotionless scientists, of course they can, but this is our way of life. There would be no Earth right now if it wasn’t for our military.”

“We haven’t forgotten. We’ve also come a long way in 10 years.  Militia was Earth’s way of life, too. And if Vulcans can agree to disarm, Andorians can also.  On Earth there are ruins, just like these we sit in,” he explained, spreading his arms as if encompassing the stones and ruins. “Civilizations must change, or, over and over, they will die out, be taken over by disease or war, ad infinitum.”

            “I will take proposal this to the Imperial Command. I’m not sure how it will be received, but I am willing to take it, if they are.” Shran sat down, slowly.

            “I will recommend Starfleet’s suggestion, if it will result in the neutral border we desire.”

            “What about the border Andoria wants?”

            “Gentlemen, please, we’ve made progress. Let’s not start all over again.” Archer covered his face with his hand, hoping both of them would just call it a night. “Can we break open something to celebrate and get back to the ships? I’m starting to get a chill down here.”

            “It’s quite comfortable for us,” Shran said with a wicked smile. His antennae peered forward, and he nodded at his associate. He looked at Subin.

            “I am ready-“

            Blaster fire discharged outside the building and blasted into the room! Splotches of fire burned on and around the table. Everyone jumped from their chairs and scattered while another round of fire penetrated through the windows. No longer was the room cool but hot with flames.  Smoke and sparks filled the room. Laser fire shot through the middle of the room. Archer and Sato hit the ground. Another volley of fire seemed aimed at them. Archer pulled his sidearm and scanned the chamber from behind the table. A streak of light shot across the table hitting Commander Sato.