Chapter Two: Living In Dreams
"For some it is already too late…"
Those words had haunted the days, dreams and nightmares that had passed since the predictions of the Oracle. Time was passing all too quickly, and Da'Nela knew that someone, somewhere needed her help. But she was still no closer to finding out which old friend was lost, and what Tharn herself could do about it. If it was someone on her planet, then she could help. Someone in a nearby star system, it was possible. But deep down, Da'Nela knew that the old friend was bound to be one of the Enterprise crew, whom she had no idea if they even still lived, let alone where there were.
Did Enterprise still roam the universe, searching for new worlds and new peoples? Or had they long ago returned to their planet - Earth - and given up their space-faring in return for a sheltered, safe existence? She did not know. The stars shone down on her, the Lords of the Hunting Grounds looking down upon their protégées with the pride of fathers, but not one gave her any indication as to which star lent its light and strength to Earth and possibly her friends.
When the telepathic bond between Trip and Da'Nela had been broken, their essences and thoughts torn apart by the distance between them and the writhing pain and exhaustion of Da'Nela giving birth to their son, Da'Nela knew that Trip still lived. She doubted that he knew the same was true of her, for she had come so close to death. He knew not of their son, for she had always hidden her pregnancy every time his consciousness had reached to touch hers. Likely, he had mourned her death and did not know that now she stood staring up at the millions of stars, at the tears of the High Lord, wondering if it was he that needed help.
"But I shall take a moment, every evening, to look at the stars, for the light they give is the peace and strength that your crew brought to my people; it is the peace that you brought to me."
His embrace was full of everything she had tried to convey to him with her words; peace, strength, acceptance, but most of all release. In their hearts, however much it pained them, they were letting the other one go. At least, that was how the scene should have played out. But now, as he kissed her, she felt there was something wrong, something amiss. But she could not resist returning the kiss, feeling his warmth against her, his strong arms holding her so close.
"Trip…"
"At last," he murmured softly, nuzzling her neck, "at last I am free to love you again."
"I don't understand."
"You will."
Da'Nela woke hurriedly, transfixed by the vividness of the dream. So clear was it that she half expected to wake up with Trip beside her. Crestfallen that it was not so, she rose to dress. There was only one person who could answer her questions.
"I have been expecting you."
If Tharn's mood had been any lighter, she would have smiled at the classic greeting the Oracle gave before Da'Nela could in any way announce her presence. Today, the basement smelled of spices, rich and pungent. Relieved that the scent in no way assaulted her, Da'Nela entered with caution. Already, the Oracle was preparing spiced tea for them both. Da'Nela accepted her a goblet without protest. She knew it would help.
"Dreams." The Oracle muttered, more to herself than to Tharn. "Always dreams. If only I could dream…"
"You don't dream?"
"Not don't, can't." The Oracle snapped irritably. "Sit down, child."
Startled, and a little irked by the Oracle's tone, Da'Nela did as she was bid. She disliked it when anyone called her 'child'. It had been a term of fondness used by Nu'Tenn, he was the only one who had ever used it. The Oracle seemed oblivious to her companions annoyance, however, and continued to mutter away to herself for several moments as she searched her bookshelves.
"Why must you seek answers to questions that should not have been asked yet?" The Oracle spoke again, her tone not quite apologetic.
"A certain human once told me 'There's no time like the present'."
"Humans." The Larneian retorted darkly, never looking up from her bookshelves.
"The saviours of our world, our people."
"We could have brought about negotiations by ourselves."
"You said to me, fifteen years ago, that the negotiations saved you life. They were not my idea, but Captain Archer's."
The Oracle turned and stared at Da'Nela, green eyes narrowed. It was a fact that had never crossed her mind before. So, it was Archer, the Captain of Enterprise, who had saved her life. The debt would have to be paid.
"I cannot answer your questions." The Oracle announced sometime later after pouring through many books. "The answers will come, in time, through means unexpected."
Time. Answers would come in time, time which an old friend did not have, if the Oracle's words spoke the truth. Da'Nela longed to question her further, but the subject was as closed as the books that were piled on the table, ready to be returned to their shelves. Staring around the basement, Da'Nela took in the great distillery which consumed so many resources to produce that precious crystal-blue liquid, the shelves of books upon books, the pots of herbs, spices, and things Tharn really didn't want to think about.
The mysteries surrounding the Oracle had always confused Da'Nela. Even scared her. She longed for a peaceful life, had always longed for it, and at one point, she had thought that that peace could be attained. But now, as the predictions foretold, a friend was to send her spinning into troubled times again. Would there ever be a time when the world stopped spinning, when time itself stood still, and allowed Da'Nela the moment of peace she so craved?
"Are you prepared to give up everything you have?"
The question brought Da'Nela out of her reverie. And what a question! "Why must I give everything up?" She asked softly, warily. The Oracle, sipping her second goblet of spiced tea returned the cautious gaze steadily.
"I did not say must. I asked if you were prepared."
"It depends."
"On what?"
"The situation, the person or people involved. I would give everything, even my life, for my son, I must consider him first."
The Oracle nodded sagely. Although she did not know or understand exactly what was to come, she knew deep down that her friend was in for a time of difficult decisions. But, for now, there was nothing to be done. The LoneWolf of Larnei would rise to the challenge placed before her, but the final question was, would she and all concerned come through it alive?
"Help me!"
"Trip!"
Her scream echoed through the ravine, reverberating and quietening with every call. His hand was so close, yet so far from reach. She inched her body closer to the edge, reached further down. Behind her, someone laughed tauntingly, but Da'Nela paid her no heed. She had to save him, he could not fall, not now.
"I'm falling!"
"Take my hand!"
The laugh broke forth again, and this time Da'Nela glanced round to see who could so laugh at this terrible scene. A woman stood there, formless and featureless, but somehow Da'Nela knew with some basal, feminine awareness, that it was a woman. The figure smiled evilly. "He is mine now." Da'Nela frowned, wriggly further forward and reaching further down. It was not far enough.
"I can't reach!"
"TRIP!"
The scream ripped through her as he slipped away from her, his eyes boring into hers even as he fell into the deep dark depths of the ravine. Her hands clapped to her ears so she would not hear the sickening thud as his body hit the floor of the chasm. Then, blissfully, there was nothing but the numbness of complete and utter shock. From somewhere in the depths of that emptiness, that same voice echoed the words "He is mine now."
"You shall not have him!"
"Representative?" The boy who had been trying to wake her staggering back from Tharn, terrified by the shriek that had erupted from the Representative straight into his face.
Tharn took in a very shaky breath. She swallowed carefully, forcing saliva down beyond the great lump in her throat. Now was not the time to contemplate her dream. The boy clearly wanted something. She took a few more deep breaths, steadying her nerves again.
"What is it child?"
"Representative Ra'Kaan requests your presence in the observation room." The boy informed her nervously. "He insisted he would not wake you if it was not urgent."
"Thank you." Tharn rose from her bed. "You may go."
Da'Nela hurried through the corridors, quiet at this time of night. She wondered what Ra'Kaan was doing in the observation room at this hour. As she entered the room, she saw five heads bent over some readings.
"You sent for me?" Da'Nela asked lightly, attracting their attention.
"There's a ship in orbit. They're requesting to be allowed to transport three crew members down."
"Who are they?"
"It's Enterprise."
