Chapter 21

We are Celestian...

It has been six months since Archer and his "tribe" returned to Enterprise. He had blown the rust off and stopped second guessing himself. Yes, he was almost back to his old self. He was still a bit the "fun kind of crazy" as he once put it. The crew had gotten accustomed to his cracking the oddball joke at the most inappropriate time, even accustomed to the loving playfulness he would have with his spouses, and the crew adored having Henry and T'Mir running around the ship causing mischief.

They were in a familiar region of space and Jon ordered Travis to take them in. Trip arrived on the bridge, with kids in tow, just as the clouds started to clear and the planet became visible on the view screen. They stayed a safe distance from the planet as the family gathered together to get a long look. As they stood, Trip grabbed Jon's hand and pressed himself into Jon. Holding my hand? This is new. Jon thought. He decided to let it slide and gave Trip's hand a light squeeze. Jon's voice was raspy and thick as he said. "Goodbye Celestia. We left a piece of us with you, and you left a piece with us."

T'Pol tipped her head to the planet. "You were a precious home. Thank you."

Trip's heart felt heavy. "Goodbye little rabaroos... Jon, can I-"

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"But-"

"No."

"Fine."

Hoshi crinkled her brows at the comm panel. "Sir. You're not going to believe this. There's an automated message coming from the surface."

Jon looked shocked then thought for a moment. "It's probably the automatic distress call I sent out when we first crashed. We should disable that before we leave."

"We did disable it, when we found you. This isn't the distress call. The message is coming from the probe."

Jon raised his eyebrows. "Really? Did we somehow miss a transmission? Let's hear it, might be fun."

The voice on the speakers was speaking Vulcan. They listened to it before translating into English. Jon, Trip, T'Pol and Hoshi, being the only ones who understood was in shock.

This is an automated message. We are a Vulcan colony who are considered as Vrekasht, or outcasts, among our people because of emotions too close to the surface or disagreeable political opinions. There are one hundred and twelve of us who have originally settled here. We have chosen to make Celestia our home and live out our lives in peace. Be aware that for each day in normal space is one year on Celestia. If you are outcast of your world and wish to live your years in peace and harmony, all species are welcomed. Peaceful life and harmony to you. This message will repeat in five seconds.

"Hoshi, can we send a message back?" Jon asked excitedly.

"Yes sir. Don't forget there will be delay time for a response."

"I remember." Jon waited until Hoshi signaled. This is Jonathan Archer. A Celestian. We heard your message and quite frankly it took us by surprise. Is there anything you need we can send? Anything we can help you with? We await your response.

After a few moments a beep.

Jonathan Archer! It is a great honor to have you visit us. I'm sure it was a shock. I am S'Lorm. A Celestian. I'm sure you have many questions and I hope to answer them all now. We heard about your planet and found it a suitable place to colonize. We hope you don't mind. Our numbers have grown since that automated message. Our population is now at four hundred and eighty-nine. Mostly Vulcan ancestry, descendants of the original colony, but there are a few Andorians, Tellarites, Klingons and Orions that have found us and wished to settle here as well. No, we don't need you to send anything thank you for the offer. You're probably wondering about your house. The original settlers fixed it up and it now serves as sort of a museum, a reminder of the first Celestians. We are pleased that you sent your message and understand that you may choose not to come down in persons due to the temporal distortion. I am sure that T'Pol and Mr. Tucker are with you? We would be honored if you could send another message that would be broadcast in auditorium for all to hear. We await your response. Peace and harmony be with you.

The colony gathered to hear the message from the first Celestians.

My fellow Celestians. It is a great honor to have you all gathered today. I would first like to inform you that there have been a few changes in the past six months. Well I guess that would be...they heard Trip's voice in the background one hundred eighty-two point five years. One hundred eighty-two point five years in Celestian time. Celestia is now an official ally of Earth and Starfleet Command. Now that we know you're here we will arrange that someone will come by to check on you. If any descendants choose to leave Celestia wishing to join Starfleet Academy, the door is open. It fills our hearts with joy that so many of you have made a home here and built a society on the foundation that we laid. Our children, your children and the future children of Celestia have accomplished great things and will accomplish much more. Myself, my wife and my husband are very honored and proud to have you all as part of our tribe. Our brotherhood. They heard Trip again. The first law. Oh yes. Trip wanted me to inform you of the first law of Celestia...no killing or eating rabaroos. By penalty of death. Jon chuckled. Actually I think that should be the second law. The fist law should be to live peacefully, be kind to one another and keep love and joy in your hearts. Peace and harmony be with you all. Trip added his own farewell. Love and joy be in your hearts eternally. T'Pol added hers. Wu ha'kiv heh smusma'es. [Translation: long life and prosperity.]

Jon looked at Trip and T'Pol. "Do you think Adam and Eve started out this way?"

T'Pol cocked an eyebrow. "Who are Adam and Eve?"

Jon and Trip shook their heads laughing. "Never mind T'Pol, never mind."