Title: "Gateway" 9/45
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 9
The shuttle pod sped across the open expanse of the barren desert world. The planet looked as if
it had not seen a living soul tread on it's undisturbed sands for eons. As the shuttle pod
began it's descent the occupants looking out the view ports.
"Not very hospitable." said Lt. Reed
"I don't think you'll find anyone here to complain Malcolm." said the Captain with a smile
"No sir." replied the Armory officer sheepishly
"Travis, how far to the coordinates?" asked Archer as he sat down next to the Ensign.
"We should be coming up on them any second, sir." replied the helmsman "What exactly
am I looking for, Captain?"
"You'll know it when you see it." Archer answered
Lt. Reed moved to the back of the shuttle where the two security officers he had assigned to the mission were checking their phase pistols. Ensign Sato was sitting across from them nervously thumbing her data PADD. Reed took a seat next to Sato and addressed his security officers.
"I want you both alert." Reed whispered, "The Captain will be meeting his replacement but I want you both to stand ready in case it's a trap."
Both officers acknowledged with a nod.
"Malcolm!" Hoshi said in a loud whisper "Starfleet sent the Captain's replacement. Why are you worried it might be a trap?"
"Hoshi, we don't know anything about this...Captain Soma from the...." Reed paused looking at the two security officers "…Starfleet's special operative program." Reed had to catch himself. The true account of where Captain Soma was from was for the senior staff only.
"Are you saying you don't trust Starfleet?" said Hoshi
"Let's just say that until Captain Archer is safely back aboard Enterprise I'm going to keep a close watch over our new 'Captain'." answered Reed
Hoshi looked at the Armory officer "Your a very suspicious man Malcolm."
"Look at it this way." he said "The life I save might be my own."
Hoshi nodded. She couldn't argue with that.
Travis Mayweather scanned the horizon as the shuttle pod spend across the expanse. He was looking for something…anything out of the ordinary. It wouldn't take much he thought...not with a barren featureless desert world like this. Then he saw it. Ten degrees to port was a cluster of objects sticking out of the desert sand. That had to be it.
"Captain" he said pointing to port
"Adjust your course." instructed Archer "Do a fly over and then set her down 30 meters beyond the site."
"Aye sir." replied Mayweather
The shuttle pod adjusted it's course and made an approach run on what was clearly a cluster of large stones in the desert sand. As the shuttle passed over, it was evident that one stone was more prominent than the rest. Archer nodded to himself as he made a mental note. Ensign Mayweather began the shuttles descent, bringing the pod to a stop nearly thirty meters from the 'henge' as the Captain had instructed.
"Shuttle pod secure sir." said Mayweather
"Open the hatchway." said Archer
The shuttle pod's rear hatchway opened to the desert landscape and six Enterprise personnel exited the pod. From where they stood they could see the large boulders, but the central stone monolith was obscured.
"Mr. Reed" Archer said "You, Travis, Hoshi and I will proceed on ahead. Have the Security team remain with the shuttle on standby alert."
"Sir?" said Reed not trying to hide his disagreement with the Captain's orders.
"You heard me Mr. Reed." said Archer a bit more forcefully.
"Aye, sir" replied the Armory officer
"Wilson, Jakale...remain with the shuttle." instructed Reed "Keep your communicators open. If we run into trouble I want you to respond on the double...understood?"
Both officers acknowledged and took up their places next to the shuttle pod. The four Enterprise bridge officers made their way towards the henge. As they approached an opening they could see a large stone structure taking up the center. It was the same as the image Captain Archer had shown the senior staff at the briefing. A large monolithic stone like structure with an archway in the middle. The four officers approached the silent stone giant.
"Doesn't look like much." said Travis
"Sort of late 20th century abstract art if you ask me." said Reed with a grin
"Thank you for the art critique Mr. Reed." said the Captain smiling back
"Anytime sir." replied the Armory officer
"It gives me the creeps." said Hoshi
"Situation normal." said Reed
"Just what is that supposed to mean?" said Sato clearly annoyed
"Alright, that's enough." interrupted Archer stopping the argument before it went anywhere "Let's just get on with this."
"Hoshi, run a scan on the object." instructed Archer
The Ensign pulled out her scanning device and passed it over the monolith. "I'm not getting anything sir."
"Force field of some kind?" asked archer
"I don't think so sir." said Sato as she adjusted her scanner "I'm just not getting any readings."
"So what do we do now, sir" asked Travis
"We wait." replied Archer
Lt. Reed walked up to the archway of the monument for a closer inspection.
"Careful Malcolm" said the Captain "We don't know anything about that...thing."
Reed walked around the perimeter of the monolith stopping after completing a full circle.
Travis was right, it didn't seem very impressive...until it came to life!
Reed jumped back several feet and drew his phase pistol as the 'Guardian'
began to glow. He slowly backed up to where the other landing party members
stood.
"Didn't scare you did it Malcolm." chided Hoshi
Reed just flashed her a glaring look.
"Sir, look!" said Travis as he pointed to the center of the archway. "Some kind of clouds are forming in the archway."
"It's starting." said Archer "He'll be coming through. Start scanning the apature Hoshi. You should be able to get a reading."
Hoshi began scanning again "Yes sir, I'm getting a reading now."
"Good, isolate the exact point the Captain exits the archway." instructed Archer "You'll need to track it's cycle so I can pass through when that point in time comes back up."
"Understood sir." replied the Ensign
"Captain" said Reed "Someone's coming through."
A shadow seemed to hover in the center of the swirling mass of vaporous fog that filled the archway. For several moments the landing party watched as the shadow took the shape of a humanoid. Then suddenly a man came leaping out of the archway landing several feet away from the landing party. They stared at him for a long moment. He was a tall stocky Vulcan male in a 21st century era Starfleet uniform with Captain's insignia. They immediately recognized him from the briefing picture. He seemed to look around as if disoriented, but then straightened himself and trained his gaze on the four Starfleet officers standing before him.
"Captain Archer" the man said as he walked slowly towards them with his hand held out "Captain Soma...Starship Enterprise."
Archer walked forward and took the man's hand. The two men looked each other in the eye for a brief moment. Each trying to gauge the other.
Soma broke the silence once again "It's a real honor sir."
Archer couldn't help smiling. This had to be the first time a Vulcan had ever said it was an 'honor' to have anything to do with a human.
"Like wise." said Archer "From what I've read you're quite the Starship Captain in your era."
"Beats a desk job, sir." smiled Soma
Archer laughed. He liked this Captain Soma already. It was to bad they had to cut this first meeting short. Archer turned to his officers "I'm sure you've already familiarized yourself with my senior staff, but let me introduce you. This is my Armory officer, Lt. Malcolm Reed."
Reed looked at Soma who extended his hand. Reed hesitated as he stared as Soma. After a moment he took the Captain's hand "Sir." he said.
"Mr. Reed" replied Soma as he felt the icy stare the Armory officer gave him.
"Ensign Hoshi Sato, my communications officer." said Archer
Soma smiled at her as he tilted his head and nodded.
Hoshi smiled back at the tall and imposing Vulcan Captain.
"And finally, Ensign Travis Mayweather, ship's helmsman." said Archer as he introduced the young Ensign.
Soma looked at Mayweather for a moment. He was overwhelmed by that sense of deja vu that one has when one does something or meets someone they have before. In this particular case, Captain Soma had just said goodbye to his long time friend Travis Mayweather only to be introduced to his younger self. It was a bit unnerving even for a Starship Captain of Soma's experience.
Soma extended his hand "A pleasure to make your acquaintance Ensign."
Soma looked back to Archer "I hate to cut this short sir, but we need to get under way."
"Of course." said Archer "Hoshi, have you isolated the cycle yet?"
"Yes sir, the next instance Captain Soma's time period is due to appear is in two minutes and seventeen seconds."
"Good." said Archer "Captain, I'd like a word with you."
The two Captains walked over to the archway where they could speak in private.
"We don't have much time Captain." said Archer "So I'll make it short. Take care of my crew and my ship. I know Starfleet wouldn't send someone they didn't have confidence in. I'm putting my trust in you."
"Likewise Captain." said Soma "Let's both bring our crews home."
Archer smiled at the Soma and the two Captains shook hands once more.
Just then Archer's communicator chirped. He pulled the device and flipped the
antenna grid open. "Archer"
It was T'Pol "Captain, we have detected an unidentified craft just entering orbit. It appears to have been cloaked."
Before Archer could respond he heard a large explosion come from the other end of the transmission. "T'pol!?" he shouted "Enterprise come in!"
"Captain, we are under attack" reported T'Pol.
"Take evasive action." said Archer
"Understood Captain." replied T'Pol "Sir...the enemy ship has launched three smaller ships. We are unable to stop them. They are headed for the planet's surface."
"Acknowledged" said Archer "We'll take cover. Protect Enterprise. Archer out."
Lt. Reed opened his communicator "Security team, power up the shuttle pod and take off, enemy ships are closing in on our position."
"Aye sir!" came a response from Reed's communicator.
"Ensign, what's the timeframe on the next jump period?" asked Soma as he looked at Hoshi.
"Thirty seconds...mark, sir." she replied
"I can't leave with Enterprise under attack." protested Archer
The Vulcan grabbed him by the arm "You have to Captain. We can't jeopardize the mission."
Archer looked at Soma.
"Trust me John." said the Vulcan
Archer stared for a moment and nodded.
"Ten seconds sir." said Hoshi
"Captains, three ships are closing in on our position." shouted Reed as he looked at his scanner
Archer stood in front of the Archway and tensed for several moments waiting for the signal.
Ensign Sato stared at her scanner waiting to give her Captain the signal. "NOW Captain!" shouted Hoshi.
Archer leapt into the arch as the last thing he heard was laser blasts striking the ground and shouts coming from the landing party.
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 9
The shuttle pod sped across the open expanse of the barren desert world. The planet looked as if
it had not seen a living soul tread on it's undisturbed sands for eons. As the shuttle pod
began it's descent the occupants looking out the view ports.
"Not very hospitable." said Lt. Reed
"I don't think you'll find anyone here to complain Malcolm." said the Captain with a smile
"No sir." replied the Armory officer sheepishly
"Travis, how far to the coordinates?" asked Archer as he sat down next to the Ensign.
"We should be coming up on them any second, sir." replied the helmsman "What exactly
am I looking for, Captain?"
"You'll know it when you see it." Archer answered
Lt. Reed moved to the back of the shuttle where the two security officers he had assigned to the mission were checking their phase pistols. Ensign Sato was sitting across from them nervously thumbing her data PADD. Reed took a seat next to Sato and addressed his security officers.
"I want you both alert." Reed whispered, "The Captain will be meeting his replacement but I want you both to stand ready in case it's a trap."
Both officers acknowledged with a nod.
"Malcolm!" Hoshi said in a loud whisper "Starfleet sent the Captain's replacement. Why are you worried it might be a trap?"
"Hoshi, we don't know anything about this...Captain Soma from the...." Reed paused looking at the two security officers "…Starfleet's special operative program." Reed had to catch himself. The true account of where Captain Soma was from was for the senior staff only.
"Are you saying you don't trust Starfleet?" said Hoshi
"Let's just say that until Captain Archer is safely back aboard Enterprise I'm going to keep a close watch over our new 'Captain'." answered Reed
Hoshi looked at the Armory officer "Your a very suspicious man Malcolm."
"Look at it this way." he said "The life I save might be my own."
Hoshi nodded. She couldn't argue with that.
Travis Mayweather scanned the horizon as the shuttle pod spend across the expanse. He was looking for something…anything out of the ordinary. It wouldn't take much he thought...not with a barren featureless desert world like this. Then he saw it. Ten degrees to port was a cluster of objects sticking out of the desert sand. That had to be it.
"Captain" he said pointing to port
"Adjust your course." instructed Archer "Do a fly over and then set her down 30 meters beyond the site."
"Aye sir." replied Mayweather
The shuttle pod adjusted it's course and made an approach run on what was clearly a cluster of large stones in the desert sand. As the shuttle passed over, it was evident that one stone was more prominent than the rest. Archer nodded to himself as he made a mental note. Ensign Mayweather began the shuttles descent, bringing the pod to a stop nearly thirty meters from the 'henge' as the Captain had instructed.
"Shuttle pod secure sir." said Mayweather
"Open the hatchway." said Archer
The shuttle pod's rear hatchway opened to the desert landscape and six Enterprise personnel exited the pod. From where they stood they could see the large boulders, but the central stone monolith was obscured.
"Mr. Reed" Archer said "You, Travis, Hoshi and I will proceed on ahead. Have the Security team remain with the shuttle on standby alert."
"Sir?" said Reed not trying to hide his disagreement with the Captain's orders.
"You heard me Mr. Reed." said Archer a bit more forcefully.
"Aye, sir" replied the Armory officer
"Wilson, Jakale...remain with the shuttle." instructed Reed "Keep your communicators open. If we run into trouble I want you to respond on the double...understood?"
Both officers acknowledged and took up their places next to the shuttle pod. The four Enterprise bridge officers made their way towards the henge. As they approached an opening they could see a large stone structure taking up the center. It was the same as the image Captain Archer had shown the senior staff at the briefing. A large monolithic stone like structure with an archway in the middle. The four officers approached the silent stone giant.
"Doesn't look like much." said Travis
"Sort of late 20th century abstract art if you ask me." said Reed with a grin
"Thank you for the art critique Mr. Reed." said the Captain smiling back
"Anytime sir." replied the Armory officer
"It gives me the creeps." said Hoshi
"Situation normal." said Reed
"Just what is that supposed to mean?" said Sato clearly annoyed
"Alright, that's enough." interrupted Archer stopping the argument before it went anywhere "Let's just get on with this."
"Hoshi, run a scan on the object." instructed Archer
The Ensign pulled out her scanning device and passed it over the monolith. "I'm not getting anything sir."
"Force field of some kind?" asked archer
"I don't think so sir." said Sato as she adjusted her scanner "I'm just not getting any readings."
"So what do we do now, sir" asked Travis
"We wait." replied Archer
Lt. Reed walked up to the archway of the monument for a closer inspection.
"Careful Malcolm" said the Captain "We don't know anything about that...thing."
Reed walked around the perimeter of the monolith stopping after completing a full circle.
Travis was right, it didn't seem very impressive...until it came to life!
Reed jumped back several feet and drew his phase pistol as the 'Guardian'
began to glow. He slowly backed up to where the other landing party members
stood.
"Didn't scare you did it Malcolm." chided Hoshi
Reed just flashed her a glaring look.
"Sir, look!" said Travis as he pointed to the center of the archway. "Some kind of clouds are forming in the archway."
"It's starting." said Archer "He'll be coming through. Start scanning the apature Hoshi. You should be able to get a reading."
Hoshi began scanning again "Yes sir, I'm getting a reading now."
"Good, isolate the exact point the Captain exits the archway." instructed Archer "You'll need to track it's cycle so I can pass through when that point in time comes back up."
"Understood sir." replied the Ensign
"Captain" said Reed "Someone's coming through."
A shadow seemed to hover in the center of the swirling mass of vaporous fog that filled the archway. For several moments the landing party watched as the shadow took the shape of a humanoid. Then suddenly a man came leaping out of the archway landing several feet away from the landing party. They stared at him for a long moment. He was a tall stocky Vulcan male in a 21st century era Starfleet uniform with Captain's insignia. They immediately recognized him from the briefing picture. He seemed to look around as if disoriented, but then straightened himself and trained his gaze on the four Starfleet officers standing before him.
"Captain Archer" the man said as he walked slowly towards them with his hand held out "Captain Soma...Starship Enterprise."
Archer walked forward and took the man's hand. The two men looked each other in the eye for a brief moment. Each trying to gauge the other.
Soma broke the silence once again "It's a real honor sir."
Archer couldn't help smiling. This had to be the first time a Vulcan had ever said it was an 'honor' to have anything to do with a human.
"Like wise." said Archer "From what I've read you're quite the Starship Captain in your era."
"Beats a desk job, sir." smiled Soma
Archer laughed. He liked this Captain Soma already. It was to bad they had to cut this first meeting short. Archer turned to his officers "I'm sure you've already familiarized yourself with my senior staff, but let me introduce you. This is my Armory officer, Lt. Malcolm Reed."
Reed looked at Soma who extended his hand. Reed hesitated as he stared as Soma. After a moment he took the Captain's hand "Sir." he said.
"Mr. Reed" replied Soma as he felt the icy stare the Armory officer gave him.
"Ensign Hoshi Sato, my communications officer." said Archer
Soma smiled at her as he tilted his head and nodded.
Hoshi smiled back at the tall and imposing Vulcan Captain.
"And finally, Ensign Travis Mayweather, ship's helmsman." said Archer as he introduced the young Ensign.
Soma looked at Mayweather for a moment. He was overwhelmed by that sense of deja vu that one has when one does something or meets someone they have before. In this particular case, Captain Soma had just said goodbye to his long time friend Travis Mayweather only to be introduced to his younger self. It was a bit unnerving even for a Starship Captain of Soma's experience.
Soma extended his hand "A pleasure to make your acquaintance Ensign."
Soma looked back to Archer "I hate to cut this short sir, but we need to get under way."
"Of course." said Archer "Hoshi, have you isolated the cycle yet?"
"Yes sir, the next instance Captain Soma's time period is due to appear is in two minutes and seventeen seconds."
"Good." said Archer "Captain, I'd like a word with you."
The two Captains walked over to the archway where they could speak in private.
"We don't have much time Captain." said Archer "So I'll make it short. Take care of my crew and my ship. I know Starfleet wouldn't send someone they didn't have confidence in. I'm putting my trust in you."
"Likewise Captain." said Soma "Let's both bring our crews home."
Archer smiled at the Soma and the two Captains shook hands once more.
Just then Archer's communicator chirped. He pulled the device and flipped the
antenna grid open. "Archer"
It was T'Pol "Captain, we have detected an unidentified craft just entering orbit. It appears to have been cloaked."
Before Archer could respond he heard a large explosion come from the other end of the transmission. "T'pol!?" he shouted "Enterprise come in!"
"Captain, we are under attack" reported T'Pol.
"Take evasive action." said Archer
"Understood Captain." replied T'Pol "Sir...the enemy ship has launched three smaller ships. We are unable to stop them. They are headed for the planet's surface."
"Acknowledged" said Archer "We'll take cover. Protect Enterprise. Archer out."
Lt. Reed opened his communicator "Security team, power up the shuttle pod and take off, enemy ships are closing in on our position."
"Aye sir!" came a response from Reed's communicator.
"Ensign, what's the timeframe on the next jump period?" asked Soma as he looked at Hoshi.
"Thirty seconds...mark, sir." she replied
"I can't leave with Enterprise under attack." protested Archer
The Vulcan grabbed him by the arm "You have to Captain. We can't jeopardize the mission."
Archer looked at Soma.
"Trust me John." said the Vulcan
Archer stared for a moment and nodded.
"Ten seconds sir." said Hoshi
"Captains, three ships are closing in on our position." shouted Reed as he looked at his scanner
Archer stood in front of the Archway and tensed for several moments waiting for the signal.
Ensign Sato stared at her scanner waiting to give her Captain the signal. "NOW Captain!" shouted Hoshi.
Archer leapt into the arch as the last thing he heard was laser blasts striking the ground and shouts coming from the landing party.
TBC....