Title: "Gateway" 6/45
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 26
Captain Archer exited the turbolift stepping onto the bridge. The Enterprise-C had finally arrived at destination and just as Travis had suspected the Mak'tek was orbiting the second moon. Commander Garrett had to run a low level sensor scan so as not to alarm the facilities patrons who might be inclined to make a run for it if they were aware that a Starfleet vessel was actively scanning the facility. So far their efforts had not attracted any attention.
Archer rounded the railing and approached the Captain's chair. Garrett looked over at him and had
to do a double take. Archer was now wearing a Starfleet marroon jacket and dark blue trousers.
She smiled at him "I see your easing into this assignment pretty well."
Archer returned the smile. "I move pretty fast."
"I'll bet you do." she replied with a grin.
Archer's face flushed. He cleared his throat "Ahem..What have you found?"
Garrett smiled and turned back to the screen "The Mak'tek "
"Already?" said Archer in suprise
"I move fast too Captain." she said not taking her eyes of the main viewer.
Archer smiled and just shook his head. 'Damn' he thought 'I've met someone who flirts better than
I do."
"Do they know we're here?" he asked
"If they do, they haven't shown any sign of it." she replied
"Alright." said Archer "Let's make our presense known."
Nodding to Garrett, Archer took his place in the command chair as she headed
to the Science Station.
"Helm bring us into a tangent orbit to the Mak'tek." instructed the Captain "I want to
come up on her aft section. Mr Vendi, stand by on the tractor beam. If he tries
to make a run for it I want to grab him before he makes the jump."
"Aye Captain." replied the tactical officer
"Commander Garrett, keep sensors trained on the Mak'tek " said Archer "We have him outmatched,
but he might try something desperate. I want to go to red alert and raise shields at a moments notice."
"Captain, wouldn't it be prudent to raise shields before we engage the Mak'tek?" asked the exec
"I'd like to avoid an arguement if we can." said Archer "Comming in with shields up and weapons
powered will give Ork even more reason to run or fight."
"Aye, sir" she responded
The Enterprise-C manuevered her way across the expanse, comming in at an angle that brought
the ship into a tight orbit directly on top of and aft of the Mak'tek . The Klingon ship had still
not made any movement to suggest that they were aware of the Enterprise.
"Captain, her warp engines are comming online." said Garrett "He's gonna make run for it!"
"Tractor, Mr. Vendi!" ordered Archer "Red Alert, shields up!"
"Aye, sir." responded Vendi as his hands danced across his board.
A blue coherent shaft of light shot out of the Enterprise's undersection, enveloping the Mak'tek
in it's glow. The Klingon ship's foward momentum slowed as its frame visibly shook as the engines fought against the overwhelming force of the Enterprise's tractor beam.
"Got him sir." said the tactical officer
Archer turned to the comm station "Lt. Lake, open a hailing frequency."
The young blonde woman activated several controls at her station and gave Archer
a nod.
"This Captain Jonathen Archer of the starship Enterprise. Power down your engines."
Archer waited for a response. when none came he tried again "We're not here for trouble.
We only want to speak to you..."
Archer was cut off as the ship shifted suddenly. "What the hell?" Report."
"She's firing disruptors Captain." said Garrett "They'rea higher power setting than we
thought she was capable of but the shields took the impact."
"So much for the friendly approach John." said Travis
"Captain!" Vendi called out "He's targeting the shields right over the tractor emitter.
If he hits us there he could knock out the tractor and cause an overload."
"That tears it." said Archer "Target his weapons Mr. Vendi. Just enough to put him out commision."
"Aye sir." responded the tactical officer "Phasers ready."
"Fire" said Archer
Red phaser fire lanced out from the Enterprises circular phaser ring. The beams strucj the Klingon
ship repeatedly on it's aft and mid section until it's weapons were disabled.
"His weapon systems are out of commision Captain." reported Garett "He's powering down his engines."
Archer turned to the comm station. "Let's try that hail again Lt."
"This Captain Archer of the Federation starship Enterprise."
The screen flashed momentarily and the image of a one eyed grisely looking Klingon
appeared on the screen. "I am Captain Ork of the privateer Mak'tek." spat the Kilingon
"Why have you attacked my ship!"
"I think you have that backwards Captain." said Archer "You fired on us."
"You tractored my ship!" said Klingon "I was only defending myself."
"My apologies Captain." replied Archer "But you didn't give us a chance to explain
and we didn't want to have to chase you down."
Ork eyed Archer warily "What do you want human?"
"Information" responded Archer
"Try the Federation database at Memory Alpha." chortled the Klingon Captain "I hear they have
an excellent reference section."
This illicited laughs from the Klingon bridge. Archer was not ammused. He could see
this Klingon was going to make things difficult and waste time. Something he had very little of.
"Captain, I want to know where you dropped of a recent passenger." said Archer forcefully "A Suliban."
The smile vanished from the Klingon's face "I don't know anything about any Suliban and you
have no authority here Federation dog."
"I have intelligence reports that say otherwise." retorted Archer
"Maybe your intelligence is not so intelligent." scoffed the Klingon
"You know where he is Ork." said Archer
"Are you insinuating that a Klingon warrior is a liar!" shouted Ork
"No, I'm outright saying that the pitiful excuse of a targ that I'm talking to
is lying through his crooked teeth!"
Ork flew into a tirade "How dare you insult..."
Archer cut him off with an order to Vendi "Mr. Vendi lock on phasers and torpedoes."
he ordered "Get this Patak out of my site!"
Vendi glanced over at Garrett who gave the tactical officer a short nod. She wasn't sure
what Archer was doing, but she didn't think he intended to blow the Klingon ship
up.
"Aye sir" responded Vendi as he locked the Enterprise's weapon systems onto the Mak'tek.
"You don't fool me Archer." said the Klingon "You peace loving Federations don't kill
innocent civilians...or me for that matter. Your bluffing."
"Am I Ork?" said Archer "You said it yourself, Starfleet and the Federation have no authority
here. You don't have to cooperate, but at the same time your not protected. Whats to stop
me from using that rust bucket ship of yours as a pinata for phaser practice? My crew? The
extremely civic minded clientele of this facility?"
The Klingon bristled, but remained silent.
"You and I both know my crew will follow my orders." said Archer "As for the your fellow
traders. Well, lets just say I don't think they'll be mouring the loss in competition."
"You can't." said the Klingon
Archer smiled "Have a pleasent trip to Stovokor." replied Archer as he turned from the
viewscreen "Close Channel"
The Klingon rushed the viewer so his face filled the screen. He screamed out pitifully "NOOOOO!"
Archer raised his hand signaling Lt. Lake to disreguard his last order. He slowly turned
and looked at the Klingon who now had a look of panic on his face.
"I'll tell you what you want to know." said the Klingon weakly "and damn that Suliban
dog to Gre'thor. He and his fool ravings of reclaiming his position."
"I'm listening." said Archer
"We never took him to the fiery system." the Klingon said
Archer didn't conceal his suprise "What!?"
"He paid us to travel to the Fiery system and then to disapear." the Klingon explained
"Your lying." said Archer
"I swear it." said the Klingon "He gave us the route he wanted us to take. We were to pass
on the outskirts of Federation space until we reached the Fiery system and then disapear."
Archer stared at the Klingon. Could he be telling the truth he thought. Was this all some elaborate
plan to send Starfleet on some red herring?
Archer stood silently for long moment before he spoke. When he did, he suprised
the his own bridge crew as well as the Klingon captain "Mr. Vendi, release the Mak'tek."
"Captain?" Vendi asked not hiding his confusion.
"You heard me Mister." replied Archer
"Captain Ork, your free to go." said Archer turning to the comm sation "Close channel"
Rachel Garrett stood up. "Captain?"
Archer took a deep breath "My ready room"
Garrett nodded as Archer headed for the door. Travis started, but Rachel warned him off.
He nodded and remained on the bridge as the two officers entered the ready room.
Rachel stopped in the middle of the room as Archer stared out the windows. "Ok, John
what's going on?"
"It's over." he said
"It's over?" she repeated "Just like that? I didn't think you gave up so easily."
"Another error on histories part." he said
Archer stood quietly for a moment and spoke "It was a mistake." he said "I should
have never been picked for this mission."
"John..." she started but he cut her off.
"No Rachel, it's my own fault." he said turning from the viewport "I was flattered that
I was chosen. I knew I didn't have the experience. I let my arrogance waltz me right
where they wanted me."
"John, it could have happened to anyone." said Rachel as she closed the distance
between them.
"Yes, but I let it happen to me." he said "Now Silik is out there and God knows
how many people are going to suffer for my mistake."
She reached up and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead."So you really are human."
she chided him softly.
Archer smiled weakly. "I know what your trying to tell me."
"I'm your first officer." she said "It comes with the job."
Archer looked at his first officer. She was staring at him. Her soft eyes seem to have a
calming effect on him and he could feel something stir from within. As their gaze lingered
they each leaned in closer until they could feel each other's warm breath. Their lips touched
gently in an exploratory kiss which grew into a deep and passionate embrace as they held each other.
After what seemed an eternity they parted; stepping back from one another.
Archer pursed his lips "That come with the job to?"
She smiled "No, it's extra."
He smiled at her. "Your pretty remarkable."
"I know." she said "So are you. You might try and remember that."
She turned and headed for the doors, stopping briefly "Don't give up on yourself so
fast John.... I haven't"
With that she left the ready room leaving Archer to consider what she had said
and what he was going to do next.
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 26
Captain Archer exited the turbolift stepping onto the bridge. The Enterprise-C had finally arrived at destination and just as Travis had suspected the Mak'tek was orbiting the second moon. Commander Garrett had to run a low level sensor scan so as not to alarm the facilities patrons who might be inclined to make a run for it if they were aware that a Starfleet vessel was actively scanning the facility. So far their efforts had not attracted any attention.
Archer rounded the railing and approached the Captain's chair. Garrett looked over at him and had
to do a double take. Archer was now wearing a Starfleet marroon jacket and dark blue trousers.
She smiled at him "I see your easing into this assignment pretty well."
Archer returned the smile. "I move pretty fast."
"I'll bet you do." she replied with a grin.
Archer's face flushed. He cleared his throat "Ahem..What have you found?"
Garrett smiled and turned back to the screen "The Mak'tek "
"Already?" said Archer in suprise
"I move fast too Captain." she said not taking her eyes of the main viewer.
Archer smiled and just shook his head. 'Damn' he thought 'I've met someone who flirts better than
I do."
"Do they know we're here?" he asked
"If they do, they haven't shown any sign of it." she replied
"Alright." said Archer "Let's make our presense known."
Nodding to Garrett, Archer took his place in the command chair as she headed
to the Science Station.
"Helm bring us into a tangent orbit to the Mak'tek." instructed the Captain "I want to
come up on her aft section. Mr Vendi, stand by on the tractor beam. If he tries
to make a run for it I want to grab him before he makes the jump."
"Aye Captain." replied the tactical officer
"Commander Garrett, keep sensors trained on the Mak'tek " said Archer "We have him outmatched,
but he might try something desperate. I want to go to red alert and raise shields at a moments notice."
"Captain, wouldn't it be prudent to raise shields before we engage the Mak'tek?" asked the exec
"I'd like to avoid an arguement if we can." said Archer "Comming in with shields up and weapons
powered will give Ork even more reason to run or fight."
"Aye, sir" she responded
The Enterprise-C manuevered her way across the expanse, comming in at an angle that brought
the ship into a tight orbit directly on top of and aft of the Mak'tek . The Klingon ship had still
not made any movement to suggest that they were aware of the Enterprise.
"Captain, her warp engines are comming online." said Garrett "He's gonna make run for it!"
"Tractor, Mr. Vendi!" ordered Archer "Red Alert, shields up!"
"Aye, sir." responded Vendi as his hands danced across his board.
A blue coherent shaft of light shot out of the Enterprise's undersection, enveloping the Mak'tek
in it's glow. The Klingon ship's foward momentum slowed as its frame visibly shook as the engines fought against the overwhelming force of the Enterprise's tractor beam.
"Got him sir." said the tactical officer
Archer turned to the comm station "Lt. Lake, open a hailing frequency."
The young blonde woman activated several controls at her station and gave Archer
a nod.
"This Captain Jonathen Archer of the starship Enterprise. Power down your engines."
Archer waited for a response. when none came he tried again "We're not here for trouble.
We only want to speak to you..."
Archer was cut off as the ship shifted suddenly. "What the hell?" Report."
"She's firing disruptors Captain." said Garrett "They'rea higher power setting than we
thought she was capable of but the shields took the impact."
"So much for the friendly approach John." said Travis
"Captain!" Vendi called out "He's targeting the shields right over the tractor emitter.
If he hits us there he could knock out the tractor and cause an overload."
"That tears it." said Archer "Target his weapons Mr. Vendi. Just enough to put him out commision."
"Aye sir." responded the tactical officer "Phasers ready."
"Fire" said Archer
Red phaser fire lanced out from the Enterprises circular phaser ring. The beams strucj the Klingon
ship repeatedly on it's aft and mid section until it's weapons were disabled.
"His weapon systems are out of commision Captain." reported Garett "He's powering down his engines."
Archer turned to the comm station. "Let's try that hail again Lt."
"This Captain Archer of the Federation starship Enterprise."
The screen flashed momentarily and the image of a one eyed grisely looking Klingon
appeared on the screen. "I am Captain Ork of the privateer Mak'tek." spat the Kilingon
"Why have you attacked my ship!"
"I think you have that backwards Captain." said Archer "You fired on us."
"You tractored my ship!" said Klingon "I was only defending myself."
"My apologies Captain." replied Archer "But you didn't give us a chance to explain
and we didn't want to have to chase you down."
Ork eyed Archer warily "What do you want human?"
"Information" responded Archer
"Try the Federation database at Memory Alpha." chortled the Klingon Captain "I hear they have
an excellent reference section."
This illicited laughs from the Klingon bridge. Archer was not ammused. He could see
this Klingon was going to make things difficult and waste time. Something he had very little of.
"Captain, I want to know where you dropped of a recent passenger." said Archer forcefully "A Suliban."
The smile vanished from the Klingon's face "I don't know anything about any Suliban and you
have no authority here Federation dog."
"I have intelligence reports that say otherwise." retorted Archer
"Maybe your intelligence is not so intelligent." scoffed the Klingon
"You know where he is Ork." said Archer
"Are you insinuating that a Klingon warrior is a liar!" shouted Ork
"No, I'm outright saying that the pitiful excuse of a targ that I'm talking to
is lying through his crooked teeth!"
Ork flew into a tirade "How dare you insult..."
Archer cut him off with an order to Vendi "Mr. Vendi lock on phasers and torpedoes."
he ordered "Get this Patak out of my site!"
Vendi glanced over at Garrett who gave the tactical officer a short nod. She wasn't sure
what Archer was doing, but she didn't think he intended to blow the Klingon ship
up.
"Aye sir" responded Vendi as he locked the Enterprise's weapon systems onto the Mak'tek.
"You don't fool me Archer." said the Klingon "You peace loving Federations don't kill
innocent civilians...or me for that matter. Your bluffing."
"Am I Ork?" said Archer "You said it yourself, Starfleet and the Federation have no authority
here. You don't have to cooperate, but at the same time your not protected. Whats to stop
me from using that rust bucket ship of yours as a pinata for phaser practice? My crew? The
extremely civic minded clientele of this facility?"
The Klingon bristled, but remained silent.
"You and I both know my crew will follow my orders." said Archer "As for the your fellow
traders. Well, lets just say I don't think they'll be mouring the loss in competition."
"You can't." said the Klingon
Archer smiled "Have a pleasent trip to Stovokor." replied Archer as he turned from the
viewscreen "Close Channel"
The Klingon rushed the viewer so his face filled the screen. He screamed out pitifully "NOOOOO!"
Archer raised his hand signaling Lt. Lake to disreguard his last order. He slowly turned
and looked at the Klingon who now had a look of panic on his face.
"I'll tell you what you want to know." said the Klingon weakly "and damn that Suliban
dog to Gre'thor. He and his fool ravings of reclaiming his position."
"I'm listening." said Archer
"We never took him to the fiery system." the Klingon said
Archer didn't conceal his suprise "What!?"
"He paid us to travel to the Fiery system and then to disapear." the Klingon explained
"Your lying." said Archer
"I swear it." said the Klingon "He gave us the route he wanted us to take. We were to pass
on the outskirts of Federation space until we reached the Fiery system and then disapear."
Archer stared at the Klingon. Could he be telling the truth he thought. Was this all some elaborate
plan to send Starfleet on some red herring?
Archer stood silently for long moment before he spoke. When he did, he suprised
the his own bridge crew as well as the Klingon captain "Mr. Vendi, release the Mak'tek."
"Captain?" Vendi asked not hiding his confusion.
"You heard me Mister." replied Archer
"Captain Ork, your free to go." said Archer turning to the comm sation "Close channel"
Rachel Garrett stood up. "Captain?"
Archer took a deep breath "My ready room"
Garrett nodded as Archer headed for the door. Travis started, but Rachel warned him off.
He nodded and remained on the bridge as the two officers entered the ready room.
Rachel stopped in the middle of the room as Archer stared out the windows. "Ok, John
what's going on?"
"It's over." he said
"It's over?" she repeated "Just like that? I didn't think you gave up so easily."
"Another error on histories part." he said
Archer stood quietly for a moment and spoke "It was a mistake." he said "I should
have never been picked for this mission."
"John..." she started but he cut her off.
"No Rachel, it's my own fault." he said turning from the viewport "I was flattered that
I was chosen. I knew I didn't have the experience. I let my arrogance waltz me right
where they wanted me."
"John, it could have happened to anyone." said Rachel as she closed the distance
between them.
"Yes, but I let it happen to me." he said "Now Silik is out there and God knows
how many people are going to suffer for my mistake."
She reached up and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead."So you really are human."
she chided him softly.
Archer smiled weakly. "I know what your trying to tell me."
"I'm your first officer." she said "It comes with the job."
Archer looked at his first officer. She was staring at him. Her soft eyes seem to have a
calming effect on him and he could feel something stir from within. As their gaze lingered
they each leaned in closer until they could feel each other's warm breath. Their lips touched
gently in an exploratory kiss which grew into a deep and passionate embrace as they held each other.
After what seemed an eternity they parted; stepping back from one another.
Archer pursed his lips "That come with the job to?"
She smiled "No, it's extra."
He smiled at her. "Your pretty remarkable."
"I know." she said "So are you. You might try and remember that."
She turned and headed for the doors, stopping briefly "Don't give up on yourself so
fast John.... I haven't"
With that she left the ready room leaving Archer to consider what she had said
and what he was going to do next.