San Francisco
"Are they certain that it was an accident Admiral?"
"Captain Archer reassures me that he will be exhausting all of their resources to get to the bottom of this terrible accident Ambassador."
"This is most unfortunate. I believe that Captain Archer would have made a. suitable mate for Sub Commander T'Pol. Have you informed the families of Lt. Reed and Ensign Sato?"
"Captain Archer had requested that he'd be the one who would inform the Sato's and Reed's."
"He is taking all of the responsibility of this event. This as well is encouraging."
Admiral Forrest was a little upset at Sovol's last comment.
"With all due respect Ambassador, this was not Captain's Archer's fault!"
"I did not say it was, all I'm saying is that he has proved that he is capable of continuing his work even in the worst of times."
"Your point Ambassador."
"As you know Admiral, I was never a. fan of Captain Archer's. I found him to be very illogical and rash in making decisions before he knew or thought about the consequences. It is unfortunate that it has taken this event to make him realize his true potential."
Forrest was shocked. Sovol was actually giving Archer somewhat of a compliment. It was perhaps not the right time but none the less, it was a step in the right direction.
"Ambassador, perhaps you should tell him yourself. I'm sure that he could use any help and encouragement at this moment."
"Perhaps."
"Have you notified the Sub Commander's family?"
Sovol's head dropped then rose again but with a different outlook. His eyes looked preoccupied and his emotionless glare had now also changed.
"It is no secret that I thought very highly of Sub Commander T'Pol. She had a great future ahead of her and to have this happen is very. disturbing, even to a Vulcan."
Forrest nodded in agreement.
"She meant a lot to you, didn't she?"
Sovol paused for a brief second.
"Yes, she did."
"Ambassador, I'm sorry!"
"Your sincerity is appreciated Admiral but I believe that the Sub Commander's family would much more appreciate your sincerity even though they would not acknowledge it. When a member of any Vulcan family dies before his or her natural time period, Vulcans have different mourning rituals then Humans."
"I understand Ambassador. Perhaps when the time is right, you could inform me when I could give my regards to T'Pol's family."
"That would be a logical course of action Admiral."
"I will contact you once I received word from Captain Archer."
"I believe that the Kaytar' should have arrived at Krios Prime. They will assist Captain Archer in the investigation. Good day Admiral."
Admiral Forrest nodded his head in agreement then the view screen went blank. This was a terrible accident and he could not even imagine what Captain Archer was going through, as was the rest of his crew.
Aboard Enterprise
"Captain, were being hailed by the Kaytar'."
"Open a channel Ensign."
A very familiar Vulcan figure appeared on the view screen. A figure that he was not anticipating to see.
"Ambassador V'Lar?"
"Hello Captain, it is a pleasure to see you again. I wish it would have been under better circumstances."
"As do I Ambassador. Will you be coming aboard?"
"If you would have me aboard Captain."
"Of course Ambassador, it's always nice to see a friendly face. See you soon."
She nodded and then the view screen went black.
"Malcolm."
He looked over at the tactical station and closed his eyes. It was a force of habit that made him speak out his tactical officer's name. It reminded the entire crew that Lt. Reed was no longer with them.
"My apology to everyone." He said to the bridge crew.
"Captain, the Kaytar' has now docked with Enterprise."
"Thank you Travis, have Commander Tucker meet me at the docking bay."
"Yes Captain."
Archer left the bridge without saying another word. He was very surprised to see Ambassador V'Lar, especially at this point in time.
"What is she doing here?" He mumbled.
Within minutes he had arrived at the docking port. Commander Tucker was already waiting for him there.
"Let's welcome are guests Commander."
"Aye Cap'n."
The docking bay door opened ant there stood Ambassador V'Lar. She looked the same as the last time they parted ways. She once again extended her hand to greet Captain Archer. The first time that he met the Ambassador, T'Pol told him that the Ambassador didn't shake hands and that he was not to speak to her unless spoken to first. Ambassador V'Lar was the complete opposite of what T'Pol had said. She was actually very friendly and she was the one who initiated physical contact. Captain Archer also extended his hand to meet Ambassador V'Lar.
"Ambassador, welcome aboard."
"Thank you Captain, as I said earlier, I wish it would have been under better circumstances. How is your crew dealings with this unfortunate accident?" They now began walking down the corridor towards the turbo lift.
"As well as expected I guess."
Ambassador V'Lar and Captain Archer now entered the turbo lift.
"And how are you dealing with the loss of Sub Commander T'Pol?"
His eyes began to fill with water.
"You people are direct! It hasn't been.easy."
"Captain, even though we do not embrace emotions as you humans do, we still are aware of them and understand them. You need not try and hide your sorrow for the loss of T'Pol. You loved her and she loved you. If you recall, the last thing that I had said to the both of you was that I had sensed a friendship forming between the two of you and that it bowed well for our two cultures. I still feel that way. She was very wise to choose you as her mate."
She was the only other Vulcan besides T'Pol that he could talk to that would not raise his blood pressure. She actually wanted T'Pol and Archer's relationship to work out. This sentiment was not shared by all Vulcans but if I highly respected Ambassador approved of their union, Ambassador V'Lar thought perhaps all of Vulcan would accept it but that will never happen now.
"Ambassador, I have always known that you have been a supporter of T'Pol and myself and I must thank you for that."
"There is no need for thanks Captain. I have lived a long time and seen many or things. When I encounter something that I believe is worth fighting, I fight for it."
He smiled at her. Her words were soft and soothing, something that he desperately needed. He could feel the pressure and sadness building, almost to the point of explosion. He was very close to nearing his limitation.
"Where are we going Captain?"
"We retrieved debris from the shuttle. I had it brought aboard so we could examine it and hopefully find some clues to why the shuttle exploded."
"I could ask the Vulcan ship to also scan for other parts of debris. As you know, the sensors on the Kaytar' are more sophisticated then Enterprise's."
Usually Archer would decline help from any Vulcan ship but this time it was different.
"I would appreciate any help the Kaytar' could lend. Thank you Ambassador."
They were now outside of the launch bay doors when Archer's communicator was activated. He reached into his sleeve pocket and flipped open the communicator.
"Archer here."
"Sir, the Kaytar' request to speak with Ambassador V'Lar."
Archer looked at V'Lar and handed her the communicator.
"Put it through to my communicator."
"Yes Sir."
Archer looked at V'Lar to see what she wanted to do.
"Captain, please enter and inspect your shuttles debris, I will remain here to talk to the Kaytar'."
As the doors to the launch bay closed, Ambassador V'Lar raised the communicator closer to her mouth. With a stern but feminine voice, she said.
"This is Ambassador V'Lar."
"Ambassador, I believe that we have found something that might interest you in regards to the shuttle explosion."
She paused.
"Please have the Kaytar' scan for debris as Captain Archer believes that they might find information from the wreckage that might be useful in their investigation and also scan to see if there has been any vessels in the area over the past 72 hours besides Enterprise and the Kaytar'."
"Right away Ambassador."
She had read all of the reports entered by Captain Archer about the shuttle accident. She knew that the crew of Enterprise was very competent and if their engineers said that there were no malfunctions with the shuttle then she would not second-guess them. She closed the communicator and entered the launch bay and made her way towards where Captain Archer was standing.
"Have you found anything Captain?"
With a quick and direct response, Archer shot back.
"Not a thing! Not a god damn thing!"
She looked at him with a surprised look.
"I'm sorry Ambassador for raising my voice."
Her eyebrows lowered back to their normal level. She looked at the shuttle wreckage and tried to imagine what really happened.
"One thing I have learned Captain in all my years of negotiating is that there is usually more to an event than meets the eye."
"What are you saying Ambassador?"
"I have read and examined your reports and I see no evidence that the shuttle simply exploded. There must be another party involved in this incident."
Tucker looked up at the Captain and shook his head. He couldn't find anything to support the Ambassadors remarks.
"Trip, what about the black box. Any luck in finding it?"
"It was probably vaporized in the explosion but were still looking Cap'n."
"Very well, I'm going to return to the bridge, if you find anything."
"I'll let ya know!"
"Captain, with your permission, I would like to remain here with Commander Tucker and help with the investigation."
Archer looked at Tucker and shrugged his shoulders.
"I could use all the help I can get Cap'n."
Tucker exhaled with disappointment and sadness. Archer reached over and grabbed Tucker's right should and tightened his grip.
"Thanks Trip!"
He gave Archer a slim and short smile as Archer released his grip and headed for the exit. Archer was amazed that Ambassador V'Lar wanted to help with the investigation but then again he should have known better because she thought very highly of T'Pol. Instead of heading towards the bridge, he decided to head towards T'Pol's quarters. Why he would want to torture himself even more was beyond him but he just felt like he needed to be in her quarters.
"What em I doing?"
He whispered as the turbo lift doors closed.
Launch Bay
"Tucker to Phlox."
Within seconds, a voice replied.
"Go ahead Commander."
"Doc, could you please come down to the launch bay. We seemed to have found traces of DNA on some of the pieces of the shuttle. Think you could take a look?"
"I'm on my way Commander."
Doctor Phlox was already out the door, leaving sick bay behind him. He had his medical kit and scanner under his arm. It took him no time at all to reach the launch bay. As the doors opened, a voice signaled his attention.
"Over here Doc!"
Phlox made his way towards a portion of debris that had a greenish color marking.
"Do you think it could be T'Pol's blood?"
"I will let you know momentarily Commander."
Tucker waited anxiously for Phlox's response.
"Well Commander, I have identified and confirmed that it is indeed Sub Commander T'Pol's DNA."
"Are you sure Doc?"
"Quit! The DNA sample on the debris was well preserved in the vacuum of space. There is no doubt, this is T'Pol's blood."
"Thanks Doc."
Phlox studied Commander Tucker for a brief moment.
"I'm sorry Commander."
Doctor Phlox began to walk towards the exit when he was signaled by Ambassador V'Lar.
"Doctor, could you take a look at this."
Tucker turned to face V'Lar. She was standing above another piece of debris. Tucker had no clue what she had called the Doctor for. As he approach the piece of debris that was being examined, he noticed another stain, but this time it was not green, it was purple."
"Commander, as far as I know, Starfleet does not use any purple colored liquids in their shuttles or Starships correct?"
"Yes Ma'am."
Doctor Phlox ran his medical scanner over the purple stain. After a couple of minutes analyzing his findings, he turned to the Ambassador and reported his findings.
"This is also a DNA stain. But it does not match any of the crewmembers that were on board."
"So what are you saying, that someone else was in the shuttle when it exploded?"
"All I'm saying Commander is that this is not Vulcan or Human DNA."
Tucker's heartbeat missed a beat, as this was the first glimmer of hope that would give them some idea at what happened.
"I will check the medical database to see if there is a match."
"Doctor, could I also have a sample of the DNA you have collected. I would like to run it through the Vulcan medical database as well."
"Of course Ambassador."
"I need to inform the Cap'n. Ambassador, Doc, will you excuse me?"
They both nodded in agreement as Commander Tucker had now exited the launch bay.
"If you'll excuse me Ambassador, I would like to run these samples as soon as possible."
"As would I."
"Would you like me to accompany you to the docking bay?"
"No thank you Doctor, I know the way."
"I will contact you as soon as I have any information in regards to the DNA sample."
"As will I Doctor."
Ambassador V'Lar and Doctor Phlox both exited the launch bay and headed to their own proper destination. This was the first hard evidence that perhaps some other faction had a hand in the destruction of the shuttle.
T'Pol's Quarters
Archer entered the code to enter her cabin. It had been sealed off since the accident. He entered her room and the door closed behind him.
"T'Pol."
He could smell her spicy lemon perfume throughout the room. It was intoxicating as it opened all of his senses and cleared him mind. It calmed his inner spirit as it relaxed his mind.
"Aisha."
As he opened his eyes, the piece he felt began to wash away and the hard truth came crashing down on him that she was go longer with him.
"My love."
He dropped to both knees and began to cry. He could not control his emotions any longer. They were flooding him and he was past his breaking point as he was running on surplus.
"NO!"
He yelled out loud. He was now on all fours as he was crawled towards her bed. The pain was unbearable, like someone had stabbed him in the chest with a knife. At this exact moment, he wanted to die. He did not want to go on alone feeling this pain and guilt.
"T'Pol!"
He yelled again. He was now lying on her bed, rolled up in a ball with the blankets wrapped around him. Shielding him from the pain. The tears continued to flow with no stop in sight. Images of T'Pol flashed before his eyes as he began to fall asleep. He could smell her scent that was still in her sheets. As he approached R.E.M. sleep, his communicator was activated. It was getting late so he knew that it must have something to do with the investigation. He reached into his sleeve pocket and flipped open the communicator.
"Archer."
"I'm sorry to disturb you Captain, could you please come to sick bay, it is.important!"
Archer could tell by the Doctor's tone that it was a pressing matter. He tried to clear his mind as best he could, he tried using a technique that T'Pol had showed him. It work slightly as he had not mastered or practiced it enough. He removed the sheets from his now warm body and made his way towards the exit and towards sick bay. On his way to sick bay, his communicator was activated once again.
"Archer."
"Cap'n, could you come down to engineering for a moment, I believe that we found somethin'!"
"I'll be there in a couple of minutes Trip. Archer out."
He was now entering sick bay when he placed his communicator into his sleeve pocket.
"Doctor, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes Captain. Have you been informed of our finding amongst the debris from the shuttle?"
"Commander Tucker just called me to meet him in engineering."
Phlox smile briefly then began once again.
"Captain, we found two pieces of debris with Vulcan DNA."
"T'Pol's?"
"Yes sir." Archer's head lowered.
"We also found a second DNA type."
His head raised slightly.
"Second?"
"Yes sir. I took awhile to try and match the DNA through are medical database so I asked Ambassador V'Lar for her assistance."
"And?"
"It is Retellian!"
Archer began to think.
"Princess Kaitaama's kidnappers." Echoed Phlox.
"What? How could that be?"
"All I know Captain is that there was a Rettellian aboard with our away team. How he got there or why he was there I do not know."
Archer's head rose even more.
"I think Commander Tucker might be able to tell me that. Thanks Doc!"
Archer turned and rushed out of sick bay towards his new destination, engineering. After a brief ride on the turbo lift and a short walk down a couple of corridors, Archer entered engineering. There was a Vulcan officer standing beside Commander Tucker.
"Trip, what's up!"
"Cap'n, this is Corporal Na'sik."
Archer nodded.
"I am part of the Vulcan Defense Force, the Commander and I have been going over the sensor data your ship had recorded at the exact moment of the explosion."
"And?"
"As you are aware Captain, whenever a shuttle of starship explodes, it creates a shock wave."
"Your point Corporal!"
"Cap'n, let him finish."
Na'sik was pointing towards one of the monitors in engineering.
"As the shock wave distanced itself from the point of explosion, your sensors discovered a point zero two fluctuation here."
Na'sik's finger was pointing to the exact spot where the fluctuation occurred.
"A point zero two fluctuation does not mean anything."
"Cap'n, let him finish!"
"All right, all right."
"Your sensors are not as advanced as Vulcan technology. We examined your sensor data with our technology and discovered something very interesting. The point zero two fluctuation originated from a temporary malfunction with a cloaked vessel."
"Vessel?" Archer voiced.
"Told you to let him finish Cap'n."
"Do you know what kind of ship it was?"
"We are still collecting data from your sensors."
"This is.interesting news."
"I was ordered by the High Command to assist you in anyway I can Captain."
He pondered the information that he just heard and began to think. Was there a remote possibility that his shuttle crew were still alive? Should he even let the thought enter his mind or accept the fact that they were gone? Archer reached over to the communications panel.
"Archer to the bridge."
"Mayweather here Sir."
"Travis, are the modified beacons still mounted to the grappler?"
"I believe they are Sir."
"Deploy the grappler and patch the feed down to engineering."
"Aye Captain."
"What are you doin' Sir."
"Corporal, is there anyway you could run the data of that fluctuation through are beacons?"
"What does these beacons do Captain?"
"They detect cloaked vessels."
"How did you." Na'sik was cut off.
"You don't want to know." Archer replied. "Can you do it?"
After a view moment of calculating and checking the specs on the beacons.
"I believe so Captain, it might not be a clear image but it will be more than we have a this point."
Archer nodded with agreement and extended his hand to Na'sik. The Corporal looked down at Archer's hand then grabbed his outstretched hand.
"Thank you Corporal."
Na'sik nodded and began to run the data through the beacons.
"Trip, what ever it takes, find out what that is!"
He was pointing at the blue haze that was on the view screen. The point two fluctuation was now there top priority.
"What are you thinkin' Cap'n?"
"When we use our transporter, is there anyway to detect it's use with sensors?"
Tucker pondered the thought.
"The annular confinement beam would be detectable but it does decay quickly."
"Then I suggest that you get started!"
"Yes Sir."
Tucker turned and started his scans of the area of the fluctuation for the beam's signature. Archer turned and headed towards the exit. It was now very late and fatigue was beginning to take him over. He made his back to his quarters where Porthos was fast asleep. The door to his cabin slid open as he walked into his quarters; he began to undo his uniform. Within minutes he had changed into his regular nightly attire and laid down while Porthos remained on his little bed on the floor at the end of his bed. He turned off his lights in his quarters and began to drift off. Right before he lost consciousness, he heard a voice echo in his head.
"Jonathan."
He shot up, now sitting up and wide awake; he looked around but saw nothing. He could have sworn that he heard T'Pol but it also could have been his mind playing tricks on him or perhaps it was dream. As he began to lie back down he heard the voice again.
"Jonathan.help."
"T'Pol?"
Sickbay
"I'm telling you Doc, I heard her."
"Captain please, I know that you are still grasping with hope that she is still alive but you must come to terms with your loss."
Phlox was running his scanner over Archer's head when he stopped in a certain area above his head. Raising his eyebrows, he started to make low mumbling sounds.
"Hmmm!"
"Hmmm what?"
"It seems that the area of your brain that has the telepathic link with the Sub Commander has been stimulated."
"And?" Archer replied.
"Captain, when the accident first occurred, you came to sick bay for an injection for a headache correct?"
"Yes I did, your point Doctor."
"I scanned the area of your brain that is linked to T'Pol and there was no activity, leaving me to believe and providing me with proof that T'Pol was indeed dead. Now this region of your brain has been stimulated and that can only be done by one person."
"She's alive!"
"It would appear so but we still have no clue where she and the other crew members are. That 's of course if the other's survived."
"Faith Doctor, you must have faith. I believe that things will start to get very interesting. I would like you to prepare sick bay for a medical emergency."
Phlox was stunned and confused.
"May I ask why Captain?"
"Because when we find the people who did this to my crew, there are going to wish that they never crossed me and that is a promise!"
Archer leaped off the bio bed and plotted his course for engineering. He now believed that she was alive without a shadow of a doubt. It had been a couple of hours since he left Commander Tucker with the task of finding evidence of a transporter beam. It was like finding a needle in a haystack but if anyone could do it, it was Commander Tucker. He also had a very strong interest in finding this beam as his love was also lost and if there were a remote chance that she was alive, he would find her.
"Son of a bitch!" Tucker spoke.
"Commander?"
"Na'sik, could you tell me what this is?"
Corporal Na'sik pushed a couple of buttons on one of the panels and without hesitation said.
"It seems that Captain Archer's hunch was correct. There is a degraded but traceable confinement beam apparent in the exact coordinated of the spatial fluctuation."
At that moment, Captain Archer appeared in engineering.
"Cap'n!" Trip yelled.
"Trip."
"You were right sir, we found a confinement beam that was hidden in the cloak itself. If it wasn't for our Vulcan friends, we would have never found it."
"Trip, T'Pol contacted me."
"What?"
"She called out for me. The Doctor even confirmed it."
"Were you able to talk to her?"
"No, she called my name twice, asking of help and that was it."
"Crap! Even if they are still alive, we have no way of tracking them or finding them."
"Not necessarily Commander."
"Ambassador V'Lar!"
"I believe that I can be of some assistance here Captain."
"Are they certain that it was an accident Admiral?"
"Captain Archer reassures me that he will be exhausting all of their resources to get to the bottom of this terrible accident Ambassador."
"This is most unfortunate. I believe that Captain Archer would have made a. suitable mate for Sub Commander T'Pol. Have you informed the families of Lt. Reed and Ensign Sato?"
"Captain Archer had requested that he'd be the one who would inform the Sato's and Reed's."
"He is taking all of the responsibility of this event. This as well is encouraging."
Admiral Forrest was a little upset at Sovol's last comment.
"With all due respect Ambassador, this was not Captain's Archer's fault!"
"I did not say it was, all I'm saying is that he has proved that he is capable of continuing his work even in the worst of times."
"Your point Ambassador."
"As you know Admiral, I was never a. fan of Captain Archer's. I found him to be very illogical and rash in making decisions before he knew or thought about the consequences. It is unfortunate that it has taken this event to make him realize his true potential."
Forrest was shocked. Sovol was actually giving Archer somewhat of a compliment. It was perhaps not the right time but none the less, it was a step in the right direction.
"Ambassador, perhaps you should tell him yourself. I'm sure that he could use any help and encouragement at this moment."
"Perhaps."
"Have you notified the Sub Commander's family?"
Sovol's head dropped then rose again but with a different outlook. His eyes looked preoccupied and his emotionless glare had now also changed.
"It is no secret that I thought very highly of Sub Commander T'Pol. She had a great future ahead of her and to have this happen is very. disturbing, even to a Vulcan."
Forrest nodded in agreement.
"She meant a lot to you, didn't she?"
Sovol paused for a brief second.
"Yes, she did."
"Ambassador, I'm sorry!"
"Your sincerity is appreciated Admiral but I believe that the Sub Commander's family would much more appreciate your sincerity even though they would not acknowledge it. When a member of any Vulcan family dies before his or her natural time period, Vulcans have different mourning rituals then Humans."
"I understand Ambassador. Perhaps when the time is right, you could inform me when I could give my regards to T'Pol's family."
"That would be a logical course of action Admiral."
"I will contact you once I received word from Captain Archer."
"I believe that the Kaytar' should have arrived at Krios Prime. They will assist Captain Archer in the investigation. Good day Admiral."
Admiral Forrest nodded his head in agreement then the view screen went blank. This was a terrible accident and he could not even imagine what Captain Archer was going through, as was the rest of his crew.
Aboard Enterprise
"Captain, were being hailed by the Kaytar'."
"Open a channel Ensign."
A very familiar Vulcan figure appeared on the view screen. A figure that he was not anticipating to see.
"Ambassador V'Lar?"
"Hello Captain, it is a pleasure to see you again. I wish it would have been under better circumstances."
"As do I Ambassador. Will you be coming aboard?"
"If you would have me aboard Captain."
"Of course Ambassador, it's always nice to see a friendly face. See you soon."
She nodded and then the view screen went black.
"Malcolm."
He looked over at the tactical station and closed his eyes. It was a force of habit that made him speak out his tactical officer's name. It reminded the entire crew that Lt. Reed was no longer with them.
"My apology to everyone." He said to the bridge crew.
"Captain, the Kaytar' has now docked with Enterprise."
"Thank you Travis, have Commander Tucker meet me at the docking bay."
"Yes Captain."
Archer left the bridge without saying another word. He was very surprised to see Ambassador V'Lar, especially at this point in time.
"What is she doing here?" He mumbled.
Within minutes he had arrived at the docking port. Commander Tucker was already waiting for him there.
"Let's welcome are guests Commander."
"Aye Cap'n."
The docking bay door opened ant there stood Ambassador V'Lar. She looked the same as the last time they parted ways. She once again extended her hand to greet Captain Archer. The first time that he met the Ambassador, T'Pol told him that the Ambassador didn't shake hands and that he was not to speak to her unless spoken to first. Ambassador V'Lar was the complete opposite of what T'Pol had said. She was actually very friendly and she was the one who initiated physical contact. Captain Archer also extended his hand to meet Ambassador V'Lar.
"Ambassador, welcome aboard."
"Thank you Captain, as I said earlier, I wish it would have been under better circumstances. How is your crew dealings with this unfortunate accident?" They now began walking down the corridor towards the turbo lift.
"As well as expected I guess."
Ambassador V'Lar and Captain Archer now entered the turbo lift.
"And how are you dealing with the loss of Sub Commander T'Pol?"
His eyes began to fill with water.
"You people are direct! It hasn't been.easy."
"Captain, even though we do not embrace emotions as you humans do, we still are aware of them and understand them. You need not try and hide your sorrow for the loss of T'Pol. You loved her and she loved you. If you recall, the last thing that I had said to the both of you was that I had sensed a friendship forming between the two of you and that it bowed well for our two cultures. I still feel that way. She was very wise to choose you as her mate."
She was the only other Vulcan besides T'Pol that he could talk to that would not raise his blood pressure. She actually wanted T'Pol and Archer's relationship to work out. This sentiment was not shared by all Vulcans but if I highly respected Ambassador approved of their union, Ambassador V'Lar thought perhaps all of Vulcan would accept it but that will never happen now.
"Ambassador, I have always known that you have been a supporter of T'Pol and myself and I must thank you for that."
"There is no need for thanks Captain. I have lived a long time and seen many or things. When I encounter something that I believe is worth fighting, I fight for it."
He smiled at her. Her words were soft and soothing, something that he desperately needed. He could feel the pressure and sadness building, almost to the point of explosion. He was very close to nearing his limitation.
"Where are we going Captain?"
"We retrieved debris from the shuttle. I had it brought aboard so we could examine it and hopefully find some clues to why the shuttle exploded."
"I could ask the Vulcan ship to also scan for other parts of debris. As you know, the sensors on the Kaytar' are more sophisticated then Enterprise's."
Usually Archer would decline help from any Vulcan ship but this time it was different.
"I would appreciate any help the Kaytar' could lend. Thank you Ambassador."
They were now outside of the launch bay doors when Archer's communicator was activated. He reached into his sleeve pocket and flipped open the communicator.
"Archer here."
"Sir, the Kaytar' request to speak with Ambassador V'Lar."
Archer looked at V'Lar and handed her the communicator.
"Put it through to my communicator."
"Yes Sir."
Archer looked at V'Lar to see what she wanted to do.
"Captain, please enter and inspect your shuttles debris, I will remain here to talk to the Kaytar'."
As the doors to the launch bay closed, Ambassador V'Lar raised the communicator closer to her mouth. With a stern but feminine voice, she said.
"This is Ambassador V'Lar."
"Ambassador, I believe that we have found something that might interest you in regards to the shuttle explosion."
She paused.
"Please have the Kaytar' scan for debris as Captain Archer believes that they might find information from the wreckage that might be useful in their investigation and also scan to see if there has been any vessels in the area over the past 72 hours besides Enterprise and the Kaytar'."
"Right away Ambassador."
She had read all of the reports entered by Captain Archer about the shuttle accident. She knew that the crew of Enterprise was very competent and if their engineers said that there were no malfunctions with the shuttle then she would not second-guess them. She closed the communicator and entered the launch bay and made her way towards where Captain Archer was standing.
"Have you found anything Captain?"
With a quick and direct response, Archer shot back.
"Not a thing! Not a god damn thing!"
She looked at him with a surprised look.
"I'm sorry Ambassador for raising my voice."
Her eyebrows lowered back to their normal level. She looked at the shuttle wreckage and tried to imagine what really happened.
"One thing I have learned Captain in all my years of negotiating is that there is usually more to an event than meets the eye."
"What are you saying Ambassador?"
"I have read and examined your reports and I see no evidence that the shuttle simply exploded. There must be another party involved in this incident."
Tucker looked up at the Captain and shook his head. He couldn't find anything to support the Ambassadors remarks.
"Trip, what about the black box. Any luck in finding it?"
"It was probably vaporized in the explosion but were still looking Cap'n."
"Very well, I'm going to return to the bridge, if you find anything."
"I'll let ya know!"
"Captain, with your permission, I would like to remain here with Commander Tucker and help with the investigation."
Archer looked at Tucker and shrugged his shoulders.
"I could use all the help I can get Cap'n."
Tucker exhaled with disappointment and sadness. Archer reached over and grabbed Tucker's right should and tightened his grip.
"Thanks Trip!"
He gave Archer a slim and short smile as Archer released his grip and headed for the exit. Archer was amazed that Ambassador V'Lar wanted to help with the investigation but then again he should have known better because she thought very highly of T'Pol. Instead of heading towards the bridge, he decided to head towards T'Pol's quarters. Why he would want to torture himself even more was beyond him but he just felt like he needed to be in her quarters.
"What em I doing?"
He whispered as the turbo lift doors closed.
Launch Bay
"Tucker to Phlox."
Within seconds, a voice replied.
"Go ahead Commander."
"Doc, could you please come down to the launch bay. We seemed to have found traces of DNA on some of the pieces of the shuttle. Think you could take a look?"
"I'm on my way Commander."
Doctor Phlox was already out the door, leaving sick bay behind him. He had his medical kit and scanner under his arm. It took him no time at all to reach the launch bay. As the doors opened, a voice signaled his attention.
"Over here Doc!"
Phlox made his way towards a portion of debris that had a greenish color marking.
"Do you think it could be T'Pol's blood?"
"I will let you know momentarily Commander."
Tucker waited anxiously for Phlox's response.
"Well Commander, I have identified and confirmed that it is indeed Sub Commander T'Pol's DNA."
"Are you sure Doc?"
"Quit! The DNA sample on the debris was well preserved in the vacuum of space. There is no doubt, this is T'Pol's blood."
"Thanks Doc."
Phlox studied Commander Tucker for a brief moment.
"I'm sorry Commander."
Doctor Phlox began to walk towards the exit when he was signaled by Ambassador V'Lar.
"Doctor, could you take a look at this."
Tucker turned to face V'Lar. She was standing above another piece of debris. Tucker had no clue what she had called the Doctor for. As he approach the piece of debris that was being examined, he noticed another stain, but this time it was not green, it was purple."
"Commander, as far as I know, Starfleet does not use any purple colored liquids in their shuttles or Starships correct?"
"Yes Ma'am."
Doctor Phlox ran his medical scanner over the purple stain. After a couple of minutes analyzing his findings, he turned to the Ambassador and reported his findings.
"This is also a DNA stain. But it does not match any of the crewmembers that were on board."
"So what are you saying, that someone else was in the shuttle when it exploded?"
"All I'm saying Commander is that this is not Vulcan or Human DNA."
Tucker's heartbeat missed a beat, as this was the first glimmer of hope that would give them some idea at what happened.
"I will check the medical database to see if there is a match."
"Doctor, could I also have a sample of the DNA you have collected. I would like to run it through the Vulcan medical database as well."
"Of course Ambassador."
"I need to inform the Cap'n. Ambassador, Doc, will you excuse me?"
They both nodded in agreement as Commander Tucker had now exited the launch bay.
"If you'll excuse me Ambassador, I would like to run these samples as soon as possible."
"As would I."
"Would you like me to accompany you to the docking bay?"
"No thank you Doctor, I know the way."
"I will contact you as soon as I have any information in regards to the DNA sample."
"As will I Doctor."
Ambassador V'Lar and Doctor Phlox both exited the launch bay and headed to their own proper destination. This was the first hard evidence that perhaps some other faction had a hand in the destruction of the shuttle.
T'Pol's Quarters
Archer entered the code to enter her cabin. It had been sealed off since the accident. He entered her room and the door closed behind him.
"T'Pol."
He could smell her spicy lemon perfume throughout the room. It was intoxicating as it opened all of his senses and cleared him mind. It calmed his inner spirit as it relaxed his mind.
"Aisha."
As he opened his eyes, the piece he felt began to wash away and the hard truth came crashing down on him that she was go longer with him.
"My love."
He dropped to both knees and began to cry. He could not control his emotions any longer. They were flooding him and he was past his breaking point as he was running on surplus.
"NO!"
He yelled out loud. He was now on all fours as he was crawled towards her bed. The pain was unbearable, like someone had stabbed him in the chest with a knife. At this exact moment, he wanted to die. He did not want to go on alone feeling this pain and guilt.
"T'Pol!"
He yelled again. He was now lying on her bed, rolled up in a ball with the blankets wrapped around him. Shielding him from the pain. The tears continued to flow with no stop in sight. Images of T'Pol flashed before his eyes as he began to fall asleep. He could smell her scent that was still in her sheets. As he approached R.E.M. sleep, his communicator was activated. It was getting late so he knew that it must have something to do with the investigation. He reached into his sleeve pocket and flipped open the communicator.
"Archer."
"I'm sorry to disturb you Captain, could you please come to sick bay, it is.important!"
Archer could tell by the Doctor's tone that it was a pressing matter. He tried to clear his mind as best he could, he tried using a technique that T'Pol had showed him. It work slightly as he had not mastered or practiced it enough. He removed the sheets from his now warm body and made his way towards the exit and towards sick bay. On his way to sick bay, his communicator was activated once again.
"Archer."
"Cap'n, could you come down to engineering for a moment, I believe that we found somethin'!"
"I'll be there in a couple of minutes Trip. Archer out."
He was now entering sick bay when he placed his communicator into his sleeve pocket.
"Doctor, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes Captain. Have you been informed of our finding amongst the debris from the shuttle?"
"Commander Tucker just called me to meet him in engineering."
Phlox smile briefly then began once again.
"Captain, we found two pieces of debris with Vulcan DNA."
"T'Pol's?"
"Yes sir." Archer's head lowered.
"We also found a second DNA type."
His head raised slightly.
"Second?"
"Yes sir. I took awhile to try and match the DNA through are medical database so I asked Ambassador V'Lar for her assistance."
"And?"
"It is Retellian!"
Archer began to think.
"Princess Kaitaama's kidnappers." Echoed Phlox.
"What? How could that be?"
"All I know Captain is that there was a Rettellian aboard with our away team. How he got there or why he was there I do not know."
Archer's head rose even more.
"I think Commander Tucker might be able to tell me that. Thanks Doc!"
Archer turned and rushed out of sick bay towards his new destination, engineering. After a brief ride on the turbo lift and a short walk down a couple of corridors, Archer entered engineering. There was a Vulcan officer standing beside Commander Tucker.
"Trip, what's up!"
"Cap'n, this is Corporal Na'sik."
Archer nodded.
"I am part of the Vulcan Defense Force, the Commander and I have been going over the sensor data your ship had recorded at the exact moment of the explosion."
"And?"
"As you are aware Captain, whenever a shuttle of starship explodes, it creates a shock wave."
"Your point Corporal!"
"Cap'n, let him finish."
Na'sik was pointing towards one of the monitors in engineering.
"As the shock wave distanced itself from the point of explosion, your sensors discovered a point zero two fluctuation here."
Na'sik's finger was pointing to the exact spot where the fluctuation occurred.
"A point zero two fluctuation does not mean anything."
"Cap'n, let him finish!"
"All right, all right."
"Your sensors are not as advanced as Vulcan technology. We examined your sensor data with our technology and discovered something very interesting. The point zero two fluctuation originated from a temporary malfunction with a cloaked vessel."
"Vessel?" Archer voiced.
"Told you to let him finish Cap'n."
"Do you know what kind of ship it was?"
"We are still collecting data from your sensors."
"This is.interesting news."
"I was ordered by the High Command to assist you in anyway I can Captain."
He pondered the information that he just heard and began to think. Was there a remote possibility that his shuttle crew were still alive? Should he even let the thought enter his mind or accept the fact that they were gone? Archer reached over to the communications panel.
"Archer to the bridge."
"Mayweather here Sir."
"Travis, are the modified beacons still mounted to the grappler?"
"I believe they are Sir."
"Deploy the grappler and patch the feed down to engineering."
"Aye Captain."
"What are you doin' Sir."
"Corporal, is there anyway you could run the data of that fluctuation through are beacons?"
"What does these beacons do Captain?"
"They detect cloaked vessels."
"How did you." Na'sik was cut off.
"You don't want to know." Archer replied. "Can you do it?"
After a view moment of calculating and checking the specs on the beacons.
"I believe so Captain, it might not be a clear image but it will be more than we have a this point."
Archer nodded with agreement and extended his hand to Na'sik. The Corporal looked down at Archer's hand then grabbed his outstretched hand.
"Thank you Corporal."
Na'sik nodded and began to run the data through the beacons.
"Trip, what ever it takes, find out what that is!"
He was pointing at the blue haze that was on the view screen. The point two fluctuation was now there top priority.
"What are you thinkin' Cap'n?"
"When we use our transporter, is there anyway to detect it's use with sensors?"
Tucker pondered the thought.
"The annular confinement beam would be detectable but it does decay quickly."
"Then I suggest that you get started!"
"Yes Sir."
Tucker turned and started his scans of the area of the fluctuation for the beam's signature. Archer turned and headed towards the exit. It was now very late and fatigue was beginning to take him over. He made his back to his quarters where Porthos was fast asleep. The door to his cabin slid open as he walked into his quarters; he began to undo his uniform. Within minutes he had changed into his regular nightly attire and laid down while Porthos remained on his little bed on the floor at the end of his bed. He turned off his lights in his quarters and began to drift off. Right before he lost consciousness, he heard a voice echo in his head.
"Jonathan."
He shot up, now sitting up and wide awake; he looked around but saw nothing. He could have sworn that he heard T'Pol but it also could have been his mind playing tricks on him or perhaps it was dream. As he began to lie back down he heard the voice again.
"Jonathan.help."
"T'Pol?"
Sickbay
"I'm telling you Doc, I heard her."
"Captain please, I know that you are still grasping with hope that she is still alive but you must come to terms with your loss."
Phlox was running his scanner over Archer's head when he stopped in a certain area above his head. Raising his eyebrows, he started to make low mumbling sounds.
"Hmmm!"
"Hmmm what?"
"It seems that the area of your brain that has the telepathic link with the Sub Commander has been stimulated."
"And?" Archer replied.
"Captain, when the accident first occurred, you came to sick bay for an injection for a headache correct?"
"Yes I did, your point Doctor."
"I scanned the area of your brain that is linked to T'Pol and there was no activity, leaving me to believe and providing me with proof that T'Pol was indeed dead. Now this region of your brain has been stimulated and that can only be done by one person."
"She's alive!"
"It would appear so but we still have no clue where she and the other crew members are. That 's of course if the other's survived."
"Faith Doctor, you must have faith. I believe that things will start to get very interesting. I would like you to prepare sick bay for a medical emergency."
Phlox was stunned and confused.
"May I ask why Captain?"
"Because when we find the people who did this to my crew, there are going to wish that they never crossed me and that is a promise!"
Archer leaped off the bio bed and plotted his course for engineering. He now believed that she was alive without a shadow of a doubt. It had been a couple of hours since he left Commander Tucker with the task of finding evidence of a transporter beam. It was like finding a needle in a haystack but if anyone could do it, it was Commander Tucker. He also had a very strong interest in finding this beam as his love was also lost and if there were a remote chance that she was alive, he would find her.
"Son of a bitch!" Tucker spoke.
"Commander?"
"Na'sik, could you tell me what this is?"
Corporal Na'sik pushed a couple of buttons on one of the panels and without hesitation said.
"It seems that Captain Archer's hunch was correct. There is a degraded but traceable confinement beam apparent in the exact coordinated of the spatial fluctuation."
At that moment, Captain Archer appeared in engineering.
"Cap'n!" Trip yelled.
"Trip."
"You were right sir, we found a confinement beam that was hidden in the cloak itself. If it wasn't for our Vulcan friends, we would have never found it."
"Trip, T'Pol contacted me."
"What?"
"She called out for me. The Doctor even confirmed it."
"Were you able to talk to her?"
"No, she called my name twice, asking of help and that was it."
"Crap! Even if they are still alive, we have no way of tracking them or finding them."
"Not necessarily Commander."
"Ambassador V'Lar!"
"I believe that I can be of some assistance here Captain."