Title: "Gateway" 4/45
Author: Quills
Contact:the_quill_pen@yahoo.com
Series: ENT
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Startrek and I derive no financial gain from this story.
Codes: A, T/Tu, Ma, S, R, P angst, drama, romance, humor, action/adventure
Summary: Captain Archer is relieved of command for a secret mission into the 24th Century . To find and stop the Suliban renegade Silik.While he is gone, a Vulcan Starfleet Captain from the future is given temporary command of the Enterprise NX-01 with his own orders to to investigate the 'Temporal Cold War'.
Chapter 4
The Senior staff had assembled around the readyroom table. Archer looked at the faces of his
officers and friends. They were friends. Each of them had managed to form a bond over the past
year; even T'Pol. Archer took a dep breath and apoke. "What I'm about to tell you doesn't go
beyond this room....ever."
The Enterprise officers looked at one another with apparent supprise. They were each loyal
to the Captain and were each a little hurt they needed such a reminder.
"Is that clear?" said Archer, more a confirmation than a question.
Reed spoke up "Sir, there isn't an officer here that won't follow your orders to the letter."
"I know that Malcolm" Archer smiled "and I'm grateful. Your a good crew."
"So what's the deal Cap'n?" asked Trip impatiently "Why are they takin Enterprise from ya?"
"They aren't." said Archer flatly "It's only temporary Trip."
There was a general sigh of relief around the conference table.
"I've been ordered to take part in a secret mission for Starfleet." said Archer "while I'm gone I'll
be temporally replaced."
"I don't get it, sir." said Mayweather "T'Pol is first officer. When your gone she's next in command."
Archer looked at T'Pol, who remained silent, and then looked back at Mayweather "Normally, that's
true and T'Pol...I want you to know that Starfleet's decision to supercede the chain of command
aboard Enterprise has nothing to do with your performance as ship's first officer."
"Then why yank command from under T'Pol?" asked Trip as he gave the Vulcan a sympathetic look.
"Because Enterprise and her crew have their own secret mission to perform." said Archer "Starfleet
has assigned an officer, who has experience in this area, to lead the mission."
Archer gave his officers a moment to digest what he had told them. Now came the hard part
he thought.
"For the past three years, Starfleet has been conducting a highly secret project using Starships to
map and track Suliban movement within known space." he explained "This project was the creation
of Starfleet Security under Intelligence Chief, Vice Admiral Norah Satie."
The bridge officers looked at one another in confusion.
"Captain, I was unaware that Starfleet had a Security & Intelligence division." said T'Pol
"Yeah, I never heard of it either." said Tucker "and who is this Vice Admiral Satie?"
Reed chimed in "I'm familiar with Starfleet Brass, sir. I've never seen a mention of any Admiral
named Satie."
"The reason you've never heard of them is because they don't exist...yet." said Archer
"Sir..." said Trip uncertain he wanted to finish his question "What do you mean by 'yet'. "
"I mean that Starfleet Security and Admiral Satie both exist in the future." said Archer
"The future?" said Tucker repeating his Captain.
"One hundred and fifty years to be exact." said Archer "give or take a decade."
Once more the bridge officers stared at one another not sure what to make of the revelations they
were being given.
"Let me explain." said Archer "Three years ago, The top Brass at Command were contacted by a
future version of Starfleet. They were told that operatives in our century were working in
conjunction with operatives in their own century to act against Earth and Starfleet."
"How?" asked Hoshi
"They're not sure." said Archer "All they're certain about is that a third faction is controlling the
other two. The future Starfleet's report mentions a ...'temporal cold war'...I believe we have all
heard that phrase before."
"Daniels." said Trip
"Exactly." replied Archer "Starfleet has been aware of this 'temporal cold war' since we first
encountered Daniels. It has been amassing information for the better part of 150 years. Their
reports suggests that Daniels and his future organization are working for the benefit of the
Federation."
Archer held up his hands when he saw questioned looks come across his officer's faces.
"The United Federation of Planets is...or rather will be...an organization created by Earth
as a peaceful body of intergalactic cultures that will grow to nearly 130 member planets
in the next 150 years. It will be the largest collection of diverse cultures in history.
Starfleet may feel that Daniel's is working to help the Federation but they don't feel comfortable
sitting back hoping Daniel's and his organization win this cold war. So their taking matters into their
own hands. The Federation Council instructed Starfleet to make limited contact with previous era
Starfleet Command Officers. This would enable them to keep the time line from becoming too
polluted with individuals knowing about their respective futures but would also allow Starfleet to
monitor the 'cold war' in various time periods."
"So let me get this straight." said Tucker "A future Starfleet has been in contact with the Starfleet of
now about the 'temporal cold war' Daniels has mentioned."
"That's right." said Archer
"How has the future Starfleet been in contact with the one from this era?" asked T'Pol
"I don't know." said Archer "I'm afraid we have not been brought into the loop. It's a need
to know situation. I've been given just enough information to get us by."
"Assuming that what you are saying is correct." said T'Pol "Though I must reiterate that .."
"I know." said Archer holding his hand with a smile "The Vulcan Science Council has determined
that time travel is impossible."
"Yes." replied T'Pol flatly
"Do you still believe that?" asked Archer "Even after all we've been through in the past year?"
"The events of the past 13 months have..." she began.
"Just a straight yes or no T'Pol." said Archer
T'Pol looked at Archer for a moment before answering. "No"
Archer smiled "That's reassuring, because Starfleet has ordered me to travel 150 years into the
future."
"How!?" Trip exclaimed
Archer activated the monitor "With that." he said pointing at the image on the screen.
The image was a structure that looked very much like a slanted stone obelisk with an archway
passing through the middle.
"It calls itself 'The Guardian of forever' " said Archer "It's a sentient time portal discovered on
this planet...codenamed 'Gateway'...about a hundred years from now by a Starfleet vessel. The crew
of that ship discovered that this portal had been dormant for thousands of years. They accidentally
'awakened' it and discovered that it had the ability to send them anywhere and any when. It was of
course immediately classified and it's existence is still a secret from the general population even
a hundred and fifty years from now."
"So...your just going to step though this...thing and travel to the future?" said Reed clearly concerned.
"That's right Mr. Reed." answered Archer "And my replacement will be doing the same thing in
his century."
"Cap'n, how do you know it's safe." said Tucker
"I must agree with Mr. Tucker Captain." agreed T'Pol "This is an unknown structure. We cannot
be certain what will happen to you if you enter it...beyond the implication that you will cross
a gulf of 150 years."
"I'm afraid, I don't have a choice." said Archer "Starfleet has ordered me to assist them in the future.
Apparently, I have experience they need and I can't just write down the information for them. So
I've got to go."
"What about your replacement." said Tucker "Can ya tell us anything about him?"
"Actually, that was the one thing his era Starfleet gave us pretty good information on." said Archer
as he clicked the display panel control again.
"Captain Soma" said Archer
The image changed to a man in a red tunic with an arrow like insignia on his chest.
The man had dark set eyes which stood out against his olive skin and sandy hair.
Though he had a penetrating stare, his eyes did not have as much of an impact on
the Enterprise crew as his ears.
"That's a Vulcan!" said Tucker.
"Actually, according to his Starfleet Record he's half Vulcan." said Archer "the other half is human."
"A human and Vulcan parent" said Plox "That would interesting to study."
"Yeah, from a distance." chided Tucker
"A Vulcan in Starfleet?" said Hoshi incredulously and then remembered T'pol "No offense T'Pol."
"None taken, I assure you." she replied
"From my conversation with Admiral Forrester, I got the impression that although Starfleet is still
primarily populated by humans, there is a considerably large percentage of Academy graduates
from a number of the many cultures that make up the Federation...of which Starfleet is the
defensive and exploratory arm." explained Archer
"Defensive?" questioned Reed
Archer smiled at Reed. He thought he'd like the sound of that. "Yes, it would seem Starfleet's
purpose is going to get more and more complex as the years go by."
"Captain Soma, has quite a record." said Travis reading the screen "Diplomat, explorer,
scientist...not to mention he's been in his share of scrapes. His record says he's one of the
most highly decorated starship Captain's in Starfleet history. He's also one of the longest in grade.
His record says he joined Starfleet in 2173!"
"That means he's been in Starfleet almost 130 years." said Hoshi "How is that possible?"
"Need I remind you Ensign that Vulcans live a much longer life span than do humans." said Phlox
"But his record says he's only half Vulcan." responded Trip
"I'm sure that factor would reduce his life span in comparison to a full Vulcan, but he would still
have a much longer lifespan than if he were fully human." answered Phlox "Based on the available
picture...assuming the Starfleet of Captain Soma's era still keeps up to date personel records..I
would say the Captain has the physical appearance of a 55 year old human male."
"He also hast more time in Starfleet than all of us combined." said Mayweather
"I don't believe it." said Hoshi as she scanned the record on the smaller monitor in front of her.
"What?" asked Archer
"Sir, Have you read his Starship assignments?" asked Hoshi
Archer smiled "I assume your referring to the Captain's current assignment."
"What's so special about it?" asked Mayweather.
Hoshi wasn't sure how to put it..so she just said it. "It's the Enterprise. Starfleet Registry
NCC-1701-C"
"What?" said Trip
"Captain Soma is the commanding officer of the Enterprise in his era." explained Archer
"There was some technical information on her, but I'm not at liberty to discuss it. However,
I can tell you that she's the fifth Starfleet Vessel to carry the name and like our own
Enterprise, she's Starfleet's Flag ship."
He could see a slight smile come over his officers...all except T'Pol of course...but he was willing to
wager she was smiling on the inside. Starfleet didn't need to include that information, but he was
willing to bet they had in order to forge a connection. This Captain Soma was a total unknown...A
Vulcan and from another time...but he was' Enterprise' and somehow that made him more
acceptable.
"I'm afraid that's all I have for you." said Archer "The rest you'll find out from Captain Soma."
He stood up and turned to Lt. Reed "Is the Shuttle pod ready?"
"Standing by sir." replied Reed.
"Good." said Archer "You, Hoshi and Travis will accompany me to the surface. Trip, I want you
have the Engines completely checked from top to bottom. We put her through the paces getting
here and I have the feeling Captain Soma isn't going to be traveling on impulse. I want them ready
by the time he takes command."
"Aye, sir" smiled the engineer
"T'Pol, your in command until Soma comes aboard." Archer told her "I want you to address the
crew. Inform them of the change over, but under no circumstances are they to know about the
'cold war' or the future Starfleet...that includes Captain Soma. Tell them he's a special Starfleet
operative assigned to command this mission. My advice....stick as close to the truth without
telling it."
"Understood" said T'Pol
"Alright, then let's do it." said Archer
TBC....
Author: Quills
Contact:the_quill_pen@yahoo.com
Series: ENT
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Startrek and I derive no financial gain from this story.
Codes: A, T/Tu, Ma, S, R, P angst, drama, romance, humor, action/adventure
Summary: Captain Archer is relieved of command for a secret mission into the 24th Century . To find and stop the Suliban renegade Silik.While he is gone, a Vulcan Starfleet Captain from the future is given temporary command of the Enterprise NX-01 with his own orders to to investigate the 'Temporal Cold War'.
Chapter 4
The Senior staff had assembled around the readyroom table. Archer looked at the faces of his
officers and friends. They were friends. Each of them had managed to form a bond over the past
year; even T'Pol. Archer took a dep breath and apoke. "What I'm about to tell you doesn't go
beyond this room....ever."
The Enterprise officers looked at one another with apparent supprise. They were each loyal
to the Captain and were each a little hurt they needed such a reminder.
"Is that clear?" said Archer, more a confirmation than a question.
Reed spoke up "Sir, there isn't an officer here that won't follow your orders to the letter."
"I know that Malcolm" Archer smiled "and I'm grateful. Your a good crew."
"So what's the deal Cap'n?" asked Trip impatiently "Why are they takin Enterprise from ya?"
"They aren't." said Archer flatly "It's only temporary Trip."
There was a general sigh of relief around the conference table.
"I've been ordered to take part in a secret mission for Starfleet." said Archer "while I'm gone I'll
be temporally replaced."
"I don't get it, sir." said Mayweather "T'Pol is first officer. When your gone she's next in command."
Archer looked at T'Pol, who remained silent, and then looked back at Mayweather "Normally, that's
true and T'Pol...I want you to know that Starfleet's decision to supercede the chain of command
aboard Enterprise has nothing to do with your performance as ship's first officer."
"Then why yank command from under T'Pol?" asked Trip as he gave the Vulcan a sympathetic look.
"Because Enterprise and her crew have their own secret mission to perform." said Archer "Starfleet
has assigned an officer, who has experience in this area, to lead the mission."
Archer gave his officers a moment to digest what he had told them. Now came the hard part
he thought.
"For the past three years, Starfleet has been conducting a highly secret project using Starships to
map and track Suliban movement within known space." he explained "This project was the creation
of Starfleet Security under Intelligence Chief, Vice Admiral Norah Satie."
The bridge officers looked at one another in confusion.
"Captain, I was unaware that Starfleet had a Security & Intelligence division." said T'Pol
"Yeah, I never heard of it either." said Tucker "and who is this Vice Admiral Satie?"
Reed chimed in "I'm familiar with Starfleet Brass, sir. I've never seen a mention of any Admiral
named Satie."
"The reason you've never heard of them is because they don't exist...yet." said Archer
"Sir..." said Trip uncertain he wanted to finish his question "What do you mean by 'yet'. "
"I mean that Starfleet Security and Admiral Satie both exist in the future." said Archer
"The future?" said Tucker repeating his Captain.
"One hundred and fifty years to be exact." said Archer "give or take a decade."
Once more the bridge officers stared at one another not sure what to make of the revelations they
were being given.
"Let me explain." said Archer "Three years ago, The top Brass at Command were contacted by a
future version of Starfleet. They were told that operatives in our century were working in
conjunction with operatives in their own century to act against Earth and Starfleet."
"How?" asked Hoshi
"They're not sure." said Archer "All they're certain about is that a third faction is controlling the
other two. The future Starfleet's report mentions a ...'temporal cold war'...I believe we have all
heard that phrase before."
"Daniels." said Trip
"Exactly." replied Archer "Starfleet has been aware of this 'temporal cold war' since we first
encountered Daniels. It has been amassing information for the better part of 150 years. Their
reports suggests that Daniels and his future organization are working for the benefit of the
Federation."
Archer held up his hands when he saw questioned looks come across his officer's faces.
"The United Federation of Planets is...or rather will be...an organization created by Earth
as a peaceful body of intergalactic cultures that will grow to nearly 130 member planets
in the next 150 years. It will be the largest collection of diverse cultures in history.
Starfleet may feel that Daniel's is working to help the Federation but they don't feel comfortable
sitting back hoping Daniel's and his organization win this cold war. So their taking matters into their
own hands. The Federation Council instructed Starfleet to make limited contact with previous era
Starfleet Command Officers. This would enable them to keep the time line from becoming too
polluted with individuals knowing about their respective futures but would also allow Starfleet to
monitor the 'cold war' in various time periods."
"So let me get this straight." said Tucker "A future Starfleet has been in contact with the Starfleet of
now about the 'temporal cold war' Daniels has mentioned."
"That's right." said Archer
"How has the future Starfleet been in contact with the one from this era?" asked T'Pol
"I don't know." said Archer "I'm afraid we have not been brought into the loop. It's a need
to know situation. I've been given just enough information to get us by."
"Assuming that what you are saying is correct." said T'Pol "Though I must reiterate that .."
"I know." said Archer holding his hand with a smile "The Vulcan Science Council has determined
that time travel is impossible."
"Yes." replied T'Pol flatly
"Do you still believe that?" asked Archer "Even after all we've been through in the past year?"
"The events of the past 13 months have..." she began.
"Just a straight yes or no T'Pol." said Archer
T'Pol looked at Archer for a moment before answering. "No"
Archer smiled "That's reassuring, because Starfleet has ordered me to travel 150 years into the
future."
"How!?" Trip exclaimed
Archer activated the monitor "With that." he said pointing at the image on the screen.
The image was a structure that looked very much like a slanted stone obelisk with an archway
passing through the middle.
"It calls itself 'The Guardian of forever' " said Archer "It's a sentient time portal discovered on
this planet...codenamed 'Gateway'...about a hundred years from now by a Starfleet vessel. The crew
of that ship discovered that this portal had been dormant for thousands of years. They accidentally
'awakened' it and discovered that it had the ability to send them anywhere and any when. It was of
course immediately classified and it's existence is still a secret from the general population even
a hundred and fifty years from now."
"So...your just going to step though this...thing and travel to the future?" said Reed clearly concerned.
"That's right Mr. Reed." answered Archer "And my replacement will be doing the same thing in
his century."
"Cap'n, how do you know it's safe." said Tucker
"I must agree with Mr. Tucker Captain." agreed T'Pol "This is an unknown structure. We cannot
be certain what will happen to you if you enter it...beyond the implication that you will cross
a gulf of 150 years."
"I'm afraid, I don't have a choice." said Archer "Starfleet has ordered me to assist them in the future.
Apparently, I have experience they need and I can't just write down the information for them. So
I've got to go."
"What about your replacement." said Tucker "Can ya tell us anything about him?"
"Actually, that was the one thing his era Starfleet gave us pretty good information on." said Archer
as he clicked the display panel control again.
"Captain Soma" said Archer
The image changed to a man in a red tunic with an arrow like insignia on his chest.
The man had dark set eyes which stood out against his olive skin and sandy hair.
Though he had a penetrating stare, his eyes did not have as much of an impact on
the Enterprise crew as his ears.
"That's a Vulcan!" said Tucker.
"Actually, according to his Starfleet Record he's half Vulcan." said Archer "the other half is human."
"A human and Vulcan parent" said Plox "That would interesting to study."
"Yeah, from a distance." chided Tucker
"A Vulcan in Starfleet?" said Hoshi incredulously and then remembered T'pol "No offense T'Pol."
"None taken, I assure you." she replied
"From my conversation with Admiral Forrester, I got the impression that although Starfleet is still
primarily populated by humans, there is a considerably large percentage of Academy graduates
from a number of the many cultures that make up the Federation...of which Starfleet is the
defensive and exploratory arm." explained Archer
"Defensive?" questioned Reed
Archer smiled at Reed. He thought he'd like the sound of that. "Yes, it would seem Starfleet's
purpose is going to get more and more complex as the years go by."
"Captain Soma, has quite a record." said Travis reading the screen "Diplomat, explorer,
scientist...not to mention he's been in his share of scrapes. His record says he's one of the
most highly decorated starship Captain's in Starfleet history. He's also one of the longest in grade.
His record says he joined Starfleet in 2173!"
"That means he's been in Starfleet almost 130 years." said Hoshi "How is that possible?"
"Need I remind you Ensign that Vulcans live a much longer life span than do humans." said Phlox
"But his record says he's only half Vulcan." responded Trip
"I'm sure that factor would reduce his life span in comparison to a full Vulcan, but he would still
have a much longer lifespan than if he were fully human." answered Phlox "Based on the available
picture...assuming the Starfleet of Captain Soma's era still keeps up to date personel records..I
would say the Captain has the physical appearance of a 55 year old human male."
"He also hast more time in Starfleet than all of us combined." said Mayweather
"I don't believe it." said Hoshi as she scanned the record on the smaller monitor in front of her.
"What?" asked Archer
"Sir, Have you read his Starship assignments?" asked Hoshi
Archer smiled "I assume your referring to the Captain's current assignment."
"What's so special about it?" asked Mayweather.
Hoshi wasn't sure how to put it..so she just said it. "It's the Enterprise. Starfleet Registry
NCC-1701-C"
"What?" said Trip
"Captain Soma is the commanding officer of the Enterprise in his era." explained Archer
"There was some technical information on her, but I'm not at liberty to discuss it. However,
I can tell you that she's the fifth Starfleet Vessel to carry the name and like our own
Enterprise, she's Starfleet's Flag ship."
He could see a slight smile come over his officers...all except T'Pol of course...but he was willing to
wager she was smiling on the inside. Starfleet didn't need to include that information, but he was
willing to bet they had in order to forge a connection. This Captain Soma was a total unknown...A
Vulcan and from another time...but he was' Enterprise' and somehow that made him more
acceptable.
"I'm afraid that's all I have for you." said Archer "The rest you'll find out from Captain Soma."
He stood up and turned to Lt. Reed "Is the Shuttle pod ready?"
"Standing by sir." replied Reed.
"Good." said Archer "You, Hoshi and Travis will accompany me to the surface. Trip, I want you
have the Engines completely checked from top to bottom. We put her through the paces getting
here and I have the feeling Captain Soma isn't going to be traveling on impulse. I want them ready
by the time he takes command."
"Aye, sir" smiled the engineer
"T'Pol, your in command until Soma comes aboard." Archer told her "I want you to address the
crew. Inform them of the change over, but under no circumstances are they to know about the
'cold war' or the future Starfleet...that includes Captain Soma. Tell them he's a special Starfleet
operative assigned to command this mission. My advice....stick as close to the truth without
telling it."
"Understood" said T'Pol
"Alright, then let's do it." said Archer
TBC....