To whom it may concern,
I would like to sincerely apologize to both Sensera and Fameanon, in no way was I attempting to steal your characters or plot line. For this I apologize, I didn't realize that I had done such a thing. In response to this I have made several alterations.
Ginie's name has been changed to Kathrine Samantha Forrest, her appearance will remain since it is essential for fans to see the connection between herself and Admiral Forrest, her father. You'll also note that the motorcycle has changed to a Cobalt Blue Yamazaki, it will appear several times in the series. She is still a MACO but also has a Masters in Poly Sci and Economics. That will not change.
Sorak has been changed to Suran, his appearance will also be altered, his hair will become salt and peppered and he will have gray eyes. He will be a bit more assertive, but still a Vulcan at heart.
As for the plot, I admit the parallel between the works is uncanny, however I will not change how she arrives before the Ambassador after 5 years, it was logical and something I could see the Admiral do without a doubt. Thus, the letter and plot device will remain. However, the direction was different to being with and you're going to love how far I'm going to take it.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me. All the names will be altered in both ACW and "Shattered".
I apologize once again.
Sincerely,
Kuro the Dark Ringmaster
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek. All its characters, settings, artifacts and organizations are property of Paramount Pictures, Rick Berman, Brannon Braga. The characters Kathine Forrest and Suran were inspired by Sensara and Fameanon's Gine Forrest and Sorak. Any and all parallels between the two works is unintentional.
Prologue: The Wind
Humanity has always relied on a number of different forces over time to move them, the paths laid through the mountains and in the earth, the tides of the sea, and even the magnetic pull of the earth's poles. Yet none of them has been more influential than the wind, with each gust she allows for change in not only physical course as the ship is forced to follow her influence, but the very course of history itself. The wind, a changing factor altering the very way a sailor leads his life, a variable altering the movement of planes and rockets, a driving mechanism spurring humanity ever forward as she brings new visitors and reunites old friends.
The wind swept through San Francisco only this wind wasn't pleasant, it served as a harbinger for just what was to occur. Things had changed greatly in the once sparkling city, it's silver and white buildings which had towered over the old streets, and stood proud against the captivating blue sky, had seemed to dim, as a solemn blanket seemed to smother the city. Just crossing the sky was a series of shuttles, all too familiar a sight for Star Fleet personnel, in a long succession carrying precious cargo. The stillness was startling as each of them touched down, a long parade of shuttle pods from not only Enterprise but other starships.
The wind seemed to chill every bone in their bodies as it swept through once again, causing the half-mast flags to flicker softly, the only other sound in the space, besides the hum of the engines on each of the pods. Slowly each casket was lifted by a number of personnel; their pace was measured and dedicated as they carried the fallen to their finally resting place. Loved ones waited silently as each casket arrived, only when they heard the name announced did they allow themselves to cry.
Standing toward the top of the stairs of Star Fleet Command was perhaps the most solemn of sights, a young woman dressed in black, her long light blonde hair swept across her face as her blue eyes shown the pain she had been attempting to suppress, they glistened in the light. Her arms were wrapped around her chest in an attempt to keep herself from falling to pieces. Her thin form stood out starkly against the once bright silver buildings, a testament to the emotions that lay beneath her façade. Skin that had once been tanned now seemed ashen as the full force of loss enveloped her.
A total of 44 caskets had arrived, a long procession of soldiers returning home. Each had a familiar white flag with a blue and gold Starfleet emblem on it, a symbol of Earth's first steps into the universe. One by one their names were called, ringing in the air with a hint of finality, proof that life was short. The final shuttle landed quietly, it was marked NX-5 it was a shuttle from the USS Enterprise, the ship which had carried those who has passed from Vulcan home. Not a word was said as the door of the craft opened, "Admiral Maxwell Forrest," was called, the name hanging in the air as though it were a knell, loud and lamenting.
The lone form waiting on the top of the stairs watch silently as the casket was carried out of the shuttle. It was then a commotion was heard, shouts off anger and loathing rang in the air as 6 unlikely men carried the Admiral. At the back stood a rather downtrodden doctor, dressed in black from head to foot, his joyous and gentle smile gone, as an agonizing expression replaced it. The Denobulans blue eyes seemed dim as he supported the weight of the one man he couldn't save. His capable hands supported the right back corner.
Standing on the other side was a man who wasn't as well known, one which few expected to ever see on Earth. His vibrant blue skin was less so, a gray tinge was ever present as his antenna seemed to dip downward. Commander Shran of the Imperial Guard from Andoria carried the casket with ease, despite his slightly hunched posture supported the left back corner.
Holding the middle of the casket were a duo that had brought the Admiral both joy and misery, as a familiar blonde Engineer from Mississippi, Commander Charles Tucker III, and a smaller but just as strong blonde Englishman, Lieutenant Malcolm Reed stood across, carrying the casket with dignity, as though it were their final mission for the fallen admiral.
Yet, it wasn't the Andorian who had truly shocked the occupants of the square but least likely pair leading the way. Standing in front of Commander Shran was a tall dark-haired man, his features were shadowed with grief as his posture screamed respect, Captain Jonathan Archer of the USS Enterprise, marching onward, carrying the body of his colleague and friend. The one who had been responsible for dragging him out of that dusty barn and to the testing site to transform his father's dream into reality.
Standing beside him, at the front was the figure that many perceived as always battling against human destiny. Silver hair became ruffled as the wind blew once more, his dark olive toned skin, with a touch of green to it seemed paler. There was a vivid green bruise on the side of his face, yet it didn't take away from his general aura, in fact it added to it. He was dressed in black from head to food, his robes whispering as he moved, his hands wrapped around the casket cradling it as though it would shatter if jostled. The Vulcan Ambassador moved with grace, and despite his emotionless expression, it were as though the sadness radiated off him. Despite all that had happened on Vulcan, Ambassador Soval had returned to Earth, not only to pay his respects, but to ensure that the fallen Admiral arrived safely.
This group of four very different species, three of which known to quarrel and disagree, had all managed to gather to pay respects to the one individual that seemed to believe in all of them. Never before had an Andorian, Vuclcan, Human and Denobulan been seen together, let alone carry a casket. Once they had finally walked to the center of the square, the silver casket was placed on a massive stone block. Each of the members standing at a corner of the casket pulled a corner of the flag. Reed and Trip took a step back from the casket as the four held the white flag over the silver casket, it did not waver as the wind swept through once more, they had pulled it taut to maintain respect for the man.
In the distance sounded a horn, it was deep and melancholy as the four slowly folded it in half, and then folded it once more, standing off to the side of the casket as they did so. It was a motion that had been known on earth for centuries, one that the Admiral had insisted they kept. Archer stepped aside supporting the middle of the flag, as Phlox shifted as well, their hands spaced evenly, allowing for Soval to begin the all too familiar fold. With ease the Ambassador folded the corner down, creating a triangle, and began to continue the motion, before allowing Archer to take over, and then Phlox.
It wasn't until the end that Shran touched the flag, his fingers tentatively running over the crisp white fabric before holding it to Captain Archer, who nodded to each of them, before another flag was pulled and placed on the casket by a group of marines, a US flag draped over the casket before it was lifted from its post and carried to the waiting hearse.
Not until the black flitter was away from view did the occupants of the square begin to leave, their whispers echoed against the concrete and their heavy footsteps seem to drown out all else. Standing resolutely at the top of the steps, was the young blonde dressed in black, her blue eyes watered and cheeks were now streaked with tears, unable to contain them any longer. Her slender arms were wrapped around her middle in an attempt to keep herself from falling apart before the rest, just long enough to retreated into the shadows. The folded white flag was still resting in Captain Archer's hands and she knew in that moment who it was for, she had known since she had received the news. After a breath, the Captain of the USS Enterprise turned and began to walk toward her, his dark blue dress uniform stood out starkly against the light gray pavement, his dark brown eyes never leaving her figure.
Flanking him was a young officer, dressed in what appeared to be black Vulcan robes. Sub-commander T'Pol, another individual who had impressed the late Admiral, she had been one of the fist Vulcans to work closely with humans and had made quite the impression. Her short light brown hair stayed in place as her dark brown eyes expressed a great deal of sorrow, despite her blank expression.
Walking beside Archer was Ambassador Soval, he was expressionless and seemed to be unfeeling, despite the situation. The green bruising was even more apparent as he drew nearer, so were the numerous cuts on his face, one slicing through his ear, leaving a dark green mark, marring his skin.
With each step they took, they grew closer to the young blonde who eyed them somberly. The pain which had blossomed in her chest now turned to agony as she watched the white flag grow ever closer. Her chest tightened, even breathing was becoming painful. The knowledge that no matter how she fought that she would never be able to see one of the fallen men and women again. They had been taken from them, long before their time. Blue eyes turned glassy as they gazed out at the trio unseeing.
It was then they came to a stop before her, their gaze never leaving her somber form. Captain Archer held out the flag, T'Pol was standing a step behind him and the Ambassador stood at Archer's side, his dark gaze squarely on the flag in the Captain's hands. "It was an honor to serve him, and he has done a great deal for not only our planet but others in the galaxy. He was the first man to drag me out of that barn and to this day I don't regret it," Archer stated, "He has done a great deal and all of Star Fleet grieves with you, Kathrine Forrest."
The captain's hands slowly extended to her, the white flag resting in them, "We give you this flag in recognition for the fallen admiral, we thank him for his service," he stated. Kathrine's hands shook as she slowly collected the flag from his waiting palms. Pale fingers wrapped around the flag as she finally grasped it. The white bundle of cloth felt heavier than ever, it was as though her father's memory had been woven into it. Archer and T'Pol left quietly, it was then she assumed that the Ambassador had left as well. From what little she had heard of the Ambassador he never made a great deal of noise.
In that moment, her small fingers clutched the flag, and reality slammed into her. Her father was never coming home, he was never going to walk through the door of their home, he would never open his arms in invitation for an embrace, she would never hear his voice again. She was alone. Her mother had no interest in her, after they had split, due to her father's constant desire to create the Federation of Planets, he didn't spend as much time as he would have wanted to with her. Kate had supported him in the endeavor, after all it would bring peace to at least their galaxy if he could do this.
A large warm palm slipped on her shoulder, it was far warmer than any human's skin, causing her to rapidly look up. Standing before her, with his hand on her shoulder was none other than the Vulcan Ambassador, his dark eyes filled with sadness. "All of Vulcan grieves with thee," he stated, his voice oddly gentle. Tears fell freely as she looked up at the Ambassador, "I miss him," she whispered, her vision becoming blurred causing the Vulcan to grip her shoulder. "As do I, but know this," he said firmly, "no matter what happens, he will not be forgotten. He will live on through you, and Archer… perhaps even all of Star Fleet." Kate's vision blurred with tears as she nodded to the Ambassador, his warm hand seemed to be an anchor, holding her in place to prevent her from slipping away thanks to the chaotic emotions flowing through her.
Calm slowly wrapped around her, it was warm and strong, its presence in her mind startled her at first, "You will always remember him, and because of that he is never gone, he will always be with you," the Vulcan Ambassador added as he gave her shoulder a little squeeze. Kate's eyes fell on the flag in her palms, "My dad believed in an alliance between our worlds, I hope I live to see that day," she said softly. The Vulcan Ambassador was oddly silent, yet she felt a hum of calm and another emotion she couldn't identify run through her.
"I'm certain you will," replied the Ambassador before he slowly lifted his hand, "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me at the Consulate, Suran will immediately transfer you to me," he stated softly, his voice just above a whisper, as though he didn't want the square to hear of him consoling a young girl. Then again Vulcan's didn't display emotions frequently and Kate figured it was out of respect for her father that he would even offer. She nodded softly as she looked up into a pair of warm dark eyes, "Thanks," she replied softly.
The Ambassador nodded stiffly before turning on his heel and walking down the stairs, his aid waiting patiently for him as well as his security team. His long black robe billowing as he walked, his head high despite the situation and in that moment Kate took a moment to watch his powerful form retreated. "I'm going to be stronger," she whispered, "I won't let Dad's life have been lost in vain." The young blonde tucked the flag under her arm and swiftly entered Starfleet, she knew of one way to ensure that the Federation would occur, and it all started with her doing the one thing she never wanted to, she was going to commit herself to the goal of creating the Federation of Planets.
She despised violence, and honestly believed it did nothing but complicate things, however, in order for her to achieve her goal she would have to become one. The Ambassador was right, her father did live on through her, and she wasn't about to allow his dreams to die with him. With ease, the doors swung open as she strode purposefully into the building. Its occupants were silent and stared after her, the tears were gone and her eyes gained a gleam of determination as she strode with purpose down the cold hallways. "I won't let you down dad," she whispered as she passed a recently commissioned photo of him, a black ribbon was wrapped around the corner.