Title: "Gateway" 34/45
Author: Quills
Contact:the_quill_pen@yahoo.com
Series: ENT
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Star trek 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 investigate
the 'Temporal Cold War'.
Chapter 34
Captain's Starlog...supplemental....Enterprise arrived at the Pentax facility roughly four
hours ago. As expected, the facility managers were less than forth coming in response
to our inquiries. They claimed they had no knowledge of any Coridan trader named
Selesh; also as expected. The Pentax facility is notorious for no questions asked and
looking the other way. Facility personnel are more than willing to lend 'assistance'
to their disreputable clients...for a fee.
I suspected that this Selesh or whomever he was working for had 'deep pockets' to
bribe Pentax officials into saying nothing to inquiring individuals, but at the same
time keeping Selesh informed of any such inquiries. I instructed Ensign Sato to monitor
any communications leaving the management facility. It didn't take long for an encrypted
communication to be intercepted. To her credit, Ensign Sato decrypted the code. It was short and
simple..."Selesh, a Vulcan has arrived asking questions about you. We have told him nothing
...he has insisted on persuing his investigation...advise you to remain where you are."
That communication told us Selesh was still here and by tracking the signal across the
Pentax data net Ensign Sato was able to determine the reception point to within one hundred
meters. That placed the location in the seedier part of the facility. A renewed conversation
with our Andorian prisoners gave us a further possible lead.
I was told Selesh did a lot of dealing through Cantrax, an 'upscale' waterering hole for
low lifes. By coincidence, Cantrax falls in the section of the facility where Ensign
Sato tracked the communication. I ordered Sato and Lt. Reed to
accompany me on an away mission to the facility. To avoid attracting too much attention,
the away team has used the ship's transporters to beam directly into the facility. For the past
two hours, Mr. Reed has been making discreet inquiries for 'employment' among the
patrons ...seeing if anyone drops the name Selesh. So far...we are playing the waiting game.
Jonathan Soma and Hoshi Sato sat across from one another
in a private booth. It was enclosed by a heavy curtain that
hung from the low ceiling; affording them the privacy
to speak feely...something the crowded bar did not.
"Do you think Malcolm will be alright, sir?" asked the young
Ensign. Her voice tinged with concern.
Soma peered out the curtain. "Mr. Reed is more than capable of taking
care of himself Hoshi."
"I know..." she started, pausing for a moment "but he's
out there alone. Shouldn't we be with him?"
"Mr. Reed volunteered, Hoshi." Soma reminded
the junior Ensign "The Andorian commander said Selesh
didn't like doing business with groups...
and if he sees a Vulcan he'll go so deep we'll never find him.
All Malcolm has to do is peak Selesh's curiosity. If he can
lure him here under the pretense of speaking in private... we can have
Enterprise transport the four of us back aboard ship."
"I know, sir." replied Hoshi "I guess I'm just a little
worried."
Soma turned to the young Ensign and smiled. "Sounds more like your a
little sweet on our armory officer."
"I am not!" replied the Ensign defensively
Soma raised his brow.
"Sir" she added blushing.
He smiled "I'm just teasing Hoshi. Don't be so defensive."
"Sorry sir, I'll try...I'm just a little worried."
Soma turned back to Sato "Well, you can stop worrying...here comes Malcolm now."
"Is Selesh with him?"
"No, he's alone." said Soma as he moved over to make room for Reed.
The curtain parted and Malcolm Reed entered the private booth. Taking a seat next to Captain
Soma, he took a quick look behind him to make sure he wasn't being followed and then
closed the heavy curtain.
"Report, Lt."
"I made contact, Captain" Reed said in a low voice "He said he might have a job he's looking to fill.
He told me he would leave a message with the Tellurite bartender in the next day or two and I
should check back."
Soma let out an air of disgust "Dammit, we don't have time for this."
"Sorry Captain." replied Reed apologetically "but I didn't want to press the matter.
I was afraid I might scare him off."
Soma shook his head "You made the right decision Malcolm, we just can't afford to
play the waiting game."
Reed looked through the curtain opening and then back at Soma "I could try again sir.
Maybe follow him and see where he goes."
Soma shook his head "No, I'm going to give it a try."
"But sir, that message Selesh was sent told him a Vulcan was looking for him.
He's bound to think that means the High Command."
"I'm counting on it it." said Soma "I might get more cooperation out of Selesh if
he thinks the High Command has caught up with him."
"At least let me come along to watch your back. I could keep a discrete distance."
Soma shook his head again "No, I don't want the work you've done so far to be compromised.
We may have to fall back on it. Ensign Sato can accompany me."
Reed looked at Sato and then back at the Captain "Hoshi?"
"And what's wrong with me?" asked the Ensign angrily
Soma raised a brow "Careful Mister Reed, your moving into dangerous waters."
Reed looked back at Hoshi who had her arms folded across her chest. She was giving
him a menacing stare.
Soma decided to save Reed before he said anything more to infuriate the young Ensign.
"Lt., you remain behind." instructed Soma "Hoshi and I will try to make contact."
"Yes, sir." replied Reed with a sigh "He's sitting across from the main bar."
Soma and Sato exited their private booth and headed for the main bar area.
Crossing the crowd of patrons they made their way down the winding staircase to the
lower level. Stepping onto the floor they could see a large crowd forming along the
long serving table. Soma could see a number of species ranging from Andorians
to Tellurites with more exotic species even he hadn't seen before. In the farther
corner was what appeared to be some kind of gambling tables with groups of men and
almost clothed women.
"Malcolm said Selesh was sitting across from the bar." said Sato "I don't see him."
Soma glanced around for a man fitting Selesh's description "It's possible he's left
the bar."
"Sir!" said Sato tapping Soma on his shoulder.
Soma turned in Hoshi's direction. Looking past her he saw what had gotten her so
excited...Selesh. He was on the far side of the bar and appeared to be talking to another
individual. Selesh's back was facing Soma and Sato so he hadn't seen them yet. Soma
signaled Hoshi to follow him as he moved closer to Selesh's position. As the two
officers moved towards Selesh, they took careful steps to keep his back to them.
However, the individual Selesh was talking to was now in plain view for both of
them to see. Soma stopped in his tracks when he saw the man's face,
Hoshi Sato stepped around her Captain to see what had caused him to stop. When she
saw the man the Captain was starring at she let out a start. "Oh my god...I know him!"
Soma had already recognized the man. He was a Vulcan male
of early age; Maybe a few years older than T'Pol. He was conversing
with the man that matched Selesh's description. Soma was certain the
Vulcan wouldn't recognize him, but he feared the man would recognize
Ensign Sato. Before he could motion her behind him, the
young Vulcan they were both staring at, so intently, began to turn in their direction.
Soma was uncertain what the Vulcan would do if he saw Hoshi. He wasn't going
to take the chance.
Grabbing the Ensign, Soma pulled her to him. Before she could say
anything, his lips crushed her own in a searing kiss. The young Ensign
flailed her arms about for a brief moment as the shock of her commanding
officer kissing her overpowered her. However, that passed rather quickly as
she settled her arms on his shoulders and responded to the kiss by deepening
it with her own lips.
The Vulcan glanced over at the two 'lovers' briefly. Soma's back was facing
him so he could not see what species either of them were, but it apparently
didn't matter as he returned his attention to Selesh.
"I assure you." said the Vulcan "I have not been looking for you."
The Coridan's brow furrowed "Well someone has...and I was told it was a Vulcan."
"Perhaps the High Command has discovered your 'business' dealings." suggested the Vulcan glibbly
Selesh glanced around momentarily before speaking "If they have, it would be wise
for BOTH of us to 'disappear'."
The Vulcan arched his brow "A logical course of action, but remain close for the time being.
If a representative from the High Command is searching for you, I may be able to find
out what he knows."
"How would you do that?" asked Selesh
"I have my ways." answered the Vulcan with the hint of a malicious smile. "I will contact you
through the usual methods if I find anything out."
Hoshi and Soma were still clenched in their embrace. The young Ensign's eyes were
now closed and she was running her fingers through the Captain's hair.
Soma was a bit more aware of his surroundings and maneuvered Hoshi so that her
back faced the two man. He could see the two men were finishing up their conversation and
Selesh was leaving the bar. His first thought was to follow Selesh, but the added
arrival of the Vulcan changed matters.
Parting their embrace, Soma looked down at Hoshi as he placed his hand on the Ensign's shoulder "You ok Hoshi?"
She looked up at him with a dazed and confused expression "Huh? Oh...um...yes...yes sir."
"Sorry if I took you by surprise. He was turning towards us and I didn't want him to recognize you."
Hoshi shook her head meekly "Oh...I...I understand."
"Good, because I don't want you to think I go around kissing my bridge officers everyday."
"Oh...uh…no sir."
Soma glanced over his shoulder at the Vulcan.
Hoshi, still a bit dazed by the kiss, shook her head and turned to look where Soma was facing.
She knew the Vulabn they were staring at all to well.
"Captain, that's.."
Turning back to Sato he held up his hand. "I know who he is Hoshi. Find Malcolm
and wait at the rendezvous point."
"Sir, you can't..."
"Hoshi…"
"But sir." she said cutting him off
"That's an order Ensign." said Soma sternly. He placed his hands on the Ensigns
shoulders "I'll be alright Hoshi. I'm just going to talk to him."
"Yes, sir" she said shaking her head "Be careful Captain."
Soma smiled at her "Careful Ensign, Mr. Reed might get jealous."
Hoshi blushed and was about to say something before Soma
motioned her towards the staircase.
"Get moving Ensign."
"Aye sir." She snapped
Soma turned his attention to the Vulcan. He was now alone at the table reading what appeared to
be a data pad of some kind. Soma considered his options. From what he knew of him, this Vulcan
would give him what he wanted if he had something to offer him. Soma knew just
what that something was and disgusted him. If he could find another option he would
take it, but he knew where his responsability laid. He just had to dangle the 'bait' the right way.
Straightening himself, Soma walked up to the table the Vulcan was seated at and took up a seat
on the other side.
The Vulcan looked up at Soma "Make yourself at home." he said sarcastically
"My name is Captain Soma. I would speak with you."
"What about?"
Soma glanced towards the bar entrance which Selesh had left through moments before.
"I noticed you were talking to a mutual acquaintance of ours a few moments ago."
The Vulcan eyed Soma warily "What of it?"
"I represent... individuals who would be interested in speaking with Mr. Selesh."
The Vulcan's eyes narrowed "Your with the High Command."
"I did not say that." replied Soma
"You didn't have to." replied the Vulcan
"If you know Selesh, we would be interested in any information you
could supply us."
"I'm not an information broker Captain."
"I never suggested you were." replied Soma "I am merely requesting
your assistance in my investigation. Assistance that would be...appreciated."
"I'm afraid I can't help you." said the Vulcan turning back to his data pad.
Soma eyed the Vulcan for a moment. He was certain, the Vulcan was feigning disinterest
and merely needed the right incentive to bring him around. Soma pushed his chair from
the table and began to rise. "I will be continuing my investigation at the facility for at
least another solar day. If you can think of anything that might be useful
I would appreciate you contacting me. The Enterprise is in orbit..."
The Vulcan immediately became attentive as he looked up at Soma "Did you say Enterprise?"
*Got him* Soma thought "Yes, I'm her Captain."
"I once visited a ship named Enterprise. An Earth vessel under the command of a human named Archer."
"It's the same vessel."
The Vulcan's eyes narrowed suspiciously "Where is Captain Archer?"
"Temporarily reassigned. I am her Captain for the time being."
"Assigned by the High Command?"
"I'm afraid I can't discuss the matter."
"I understand" said the Vulcan with a nod
"If you find out anything you believe would be of use I would appreciate you
bringing it to myself ...or Sub Commander T'Pol."
Soma eyed the Vulcan cautiously. He could see the man's face betray his interest
in that last bit of information and it sent a cold chill down Soma's spine.
The Vulcan raised a brow and smiled at Soma "I will keep that in mind Captain."
Soma nodded to the Vulcan. Turning, he headed back across the main
floor to the stairs leading to the upper patron area. As he climbed the stairs,
he caught site of Lt. Reed at the top of the stairs.
"Captain?"
"We found a back door Lt." explained Soma as he he reached the top.
"Let's head back to the Enterprise."
"Back door sir?" asked Reed in confusion, but Soma seemed preoccupied
and either didn't hear the Lt or had just ignored him as he walked straight passed
Reed without another word.
Reed turned to Hoshi who had a concerned look on her face.
"Hoshi, what did the Captain mean?"
"We saw Selesh with a Vulcan Malcolm."
"A Vulcan" replied Reed in suprise.
"Not just any Vulcan...Tolaris"
"Tolaris" said Reed trying to recall why the name was so familiar. Then
it occured to him. "He was one of those emotion embracing Vulcan's
that visited Enterprise about a year ago."
Hoshi shook her head "He was also the one who...'violated'...T'Pol"
Reed looked at Hoshi in suprise "No....I had heard rumours, but..."
"It's true, I had to transcribe some of the ship's confidential log entries and Captain Archer
mentions it in them. I never told anyone. I discovered it by accident and I thought if
T'Pol wanted us to know she would have told us. The rumours were bad enough, but..."
Reed let out a deep exhale
"Do you think Captain Soma knows?" asked Hoshi
"I'm not sure, but he does seem a bit ...preoccupied." replied Reed "I've noticed he
looks at the Sub Commander...oddly."
Hoshi looked past Reed to see if Soma had doubled back. "You don't think they..."
"I don't know what to think, but right now we should just leave it be. Neither of
us are supposed to know about this so unless T'Pol is in danger
I think it's best we not say anything."
Shaking her head, Hoshi sighed "I guess your right."
"Come on, let's catch up to the Captain before he starts wondering what were
doing."
TBC...
Author: Quills
Contact:the_quill_pen@yahoo.com
Series: ENT
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Star trek 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 investigate
the 'Temporal Cold War'.
Chapter 34
Captain's Starlog...supplemental....Enterprise arrived at the Pentax facility roughly four
hours ago. As expected, the facility managers were less than forth coming in response
to our inquiries. They claimed they had no knowledge of any Coridan trader named
Selesh; also as expected. The Pentax facility is notorious for no questions asked and
looking the other way. Facility personnel are more than willing to lend 'assistance'
to their disreputable clients...for a fee.
I suspected that this Selesh or whomever he was working for had 'deep pockets' to
bribe Pentax officials into saying nothing to inquiring individuals, but at the same
time keeping Selesh informed of any such inquiries. I instructed Ensign Sato to monitor
any communications leaving the management facility. It didn't take long for an encrypted
communication to be intercepted. To her credit, Ensign Sato decrypted the code. It was short and
simple..."Selesh, a Vulcan has arrived asking questions about you. We have told him nothing
...he has insisted on persuing his investigation...advise you to remain where you are."
That communication told us Selesh was still here and by tracking the signal across the
Pentax data net Ensign Sato was able to determine the reception point to within one hundred
meters. That placed the location in the seedier part of the facility. A renewed conversation
with our Andorian prisoners gave us a further possible lead.
I was told Selesh did a lot of dealing through Cantrax, an 'upscale' waterering hole for
low lifes. By coincidence, Cantrax falls in the section of the facility where Ensign
Sato tracked the communication. I ordered Sato and Lt. Reed to
accompany me on an away mission to the facility. To avoid attracting too much attention,
the away team has used the ship's transporters to beam directly into the facility. For the past
two hours, Mr. Reed has been making discreet inquiries for 'employment' among the
patrons ...seeing if anyone drops the name Selesh. So far...we are playing the waiting game.
Jonathan Soma and Hoshi Sato sat across from one another
in a private booth. It was enclosed by a heavy curtain that
hung from the low ceiling; affording them the privacy
to speak feely...something the crowded bar did not.
"Do you think Malcolm will be alright, sir?" asked the young
Ensign. Her voice tinged with concern.
Soma peered out the curtain. "Mr. Reed is more than capable of taking
care of himself Hoshi."
"I know..." she started, pausing for a moment "but he's
out there alone. Shouldn't we be with him?"
"Mr. Reed volunteered, Hoshi." Soma reminded
the junior Ensign "The Andorian commander said Selesh
didn't like doing business with groups...
and if he sees a Vulcan he'll go so deep we'll never find him.
All Malcolm has to do is peak Selesh's curiosity. If he can
lure him here under the pretense of speaking in private... we can have
Enterprise transport the four of us back aboard ship."
"I know, sir." replied Hoshi "I guess I'm just a little
worried."
Soma turned to the young Ensign and smiled. "Sounds more like your a
little sweet on our armory officer."
"I am not!" replied the Ensign defensively
Soma raised his brow.
"Sir" she added blushing.
He smiled "I'm just teasing Hoshi. Don't be so defensive."
"Sorry sir, I'll try...I'm just a little worried."
Soma turned back to Sato "Well, you can stop worrying...here comes Malcolm now."
"Is Selesh with him?"
"No, he's alone." said Soma as he moved over to make room for Reed.
The curtain parted and Malcolm Reed entered the private booth. Taking a seat next to Captain
Soma, he took a quick look behind him to make sure he wasn't being followed and then
closed the heavy curtain.
"Report, Lt."
"I made contact, Captain" Reed said in a low voice "He said he might have a job he's looking to fill.
He told me he would leave a message with the Tellurite bartender in the next day or two and I
should check back."
Soma let out an air of disgust "Dammit, we don't have time for this."
"Sorry Captain." replied Reed apologetically "but I didn't want to press the matter.
I was afraid I might scare him off."
Soma shook his head "You made the right decision Malcolm, we just can't afford to
play the waiting game."
Reed looked through the curtain opening and then back at Soma "I could try again sir.
Maybe follow him and see where he goes."
Soma shook his head "No, I'm going to give it a try."
"But sir, that message Selesh was sent told him a Vulcan was looking for him.
He's bound to think that means the High Command."
"I'm counting on it it." said Soma "I might get more cooperation out of Selesh if
he thinks the High Command has caught up with him."
"At least let me come along to watch your back. I could keep a discrete distance."
Soma shook his head again "No, I don't want the work you've done so far to be compromised.
We may have to fall back on it. Ensign Sato can accompany me."
Reed looked at Sato and then back at the Captain "Hoshi?"
"And what's wrong with me?" asked the Ensign angrily
Soma raised a brow "Careful Mister Reed, your moving into dangerous waters."
Reed looked back at Hoshi who had her arms folded across her chest. She was giving
him a menacing stare.
Soma decided to save Reed before he said anything more to infuriate the young Ensign.
"Lt., you remain behind." instructed Soma "Hoshi and I will try to make contact."
"Yes, sir." replied Reed with a sigh "He's sitting across from the main bar."
Soma and Sato exited their private booth and headed for the main bar area.
Crossing the crowd of patrons they made their way down the winding staircase to the
lower level. Stepping onto the floor they could see a large crowd forming along the
long serving table. Soma could see a number of species ranging from Andorians
to Tellurites with more exotic species even he hadn't seen before. In the farther
corner was what appeared to be some kind of gambling tables with groups of men and
almost clothed women.
"Malcolm said Selesh was sitting across from the bar." said Sato "I don't see him."
Soma glanced around for a man fitting Selesh's description "It's possible he's left
the bar."
"Sir!" said Sato tapping Soma on his shoulder.
Soma turned in Hoshi's direction. Looking past her he saw what had gotten her so
excited...Selesh. He was on the far side of the bar and appeared to be talking to another
individual. Selesh's back was facing Soma and Sato so he hadn't seen them yet. Soma
signaled Hoshi to follow him as he moved closer to Selesh's position. As the two
officers moved towards Selesh, they took careful steps to keep his back to them.
However, the individual Selesh was talking to was now in plain view for both of
them to see. Soma stopped in his tracks when he saw the man's face,
Hoshi Sato stepped around her Captain to see what had caused him to stop. When she
saw the man the Captain was starring at she let out a start. "Oh my god...I know him!"
Soma had already recognized the man. He was a Vulcan male
of early age; Maybe a few years older than T'Pol. He was conversing
with the man that matched Selesh's description. Soma was certain the
Vulcan wouldn't recognize him, but he feared the man would recognize
Ensign Sato. Before he could motion her behind him, the
young Vulcan they were both staring at, so intently, began to turn in their direction.
Soma was uncertain what the Vulcan would do if he saw Hoshi. He wasn't going
to take the chance.
Grabbing the Ensign, Soma pulled her to him. Before she could say
anything, his lips crushed her own in a searing kiss. The young Ensign
flailed her arms about for a brief moment as the shock of her commanding
officer kissing her overpowered her. However, that passed rather quickly as
she settled her arms on his shoulders and responded to the kiss by deepening
it with her own lips.
The Vulcan glanced over at the two 'lovers' briefly. Soma's back was facing
him so he could not see what species either of them were, but it apparently
didn't matter as he returned his attention to Selesh.
"I assure you." said the Vulcan "I have not been looking for you."
The Coridan's brow furrowed "Well someone has...and I was told it was a Vulcan."
"Perhaps the High Command has discovered your 'business' dealings." suggested the Vulcan glibbly
Selesh glanced around momentarily before speaking "If they have, it would be wise
for BOTH of us to 'disappear'."
The Vulcan arched his brow "A logical course of action, but remain close for the time being.
If a representative from the High Command is searching for you, I may be able to find
out what he knows."
"How would you do that?" asked Selesh
"I have my ways." answered the Vulcan with the hint of a malicious smile. "I will contact you
through the usual methods if I find anything out."
Hoshi and Soma were still clenched in their embrace. The young Ensign's eyes were
now closed and she was running her fingers through the Captain's hair.
Soma was a bit more aware of his surroundings and maneuvered Hoshi so that her
back faced the two man. He could see the two men were finishing up their conversation and
Selesh was leaving the bar. His first thought was to follow Selesh, but the added
arrival of the Vulcan changed matters.
Parting their embrace, Soma looked down at Hoshi as he placed his hand on the Ensign's shoulder "You ok Hoshi?"
She looked up at him with a dazed and confused expression "Huh? Oh...um...yes...yes sir."
"Sorry if I took you by surprise. He was turning towards us and I didn't want him to recognize you."
Hoshi shook her head meekly "Oh...I...I understand."
"Good, because I don't want you to think I go around kissing my bridge officers everyday."
"Oh...uh…no sir."
Soma glanced over his shoulder at the Vulcan.
Hoshi, still a bit dazed by the kiss, shook her head and turned to look where Soma was facing.
She knew the Vulabn they were staring at all to well.
"Captain, that's.."
Turning back to Sato he held up his hand. "I know who he is Hoshi. Find Malcolm
and wait at the rendezvous point."
"Sir, you can't..."
"Hoshi…"
"But sir." she said cutting him off
"That's an order Ensign." said Soma sternly. He placed his hands on the Ensigns
shoulders "I'll be alright Hoshi. I'm just going to talk to him."
"Yes, sir" she said shaking her head "Be careful Captain."
Soma smiled at her "Careful Ensign, Mr. Reed might get jealous."
Hoshi blushed and was about to say something before Soma
motioned her towards the staircase.
"Get moving Ensign."
"Aye sir." She snapped
Soma turned his attention to the Vulcan. He was now alone at the table reading what appeared to
be a data pad of some kind. Soma considered his options. From what he knew of him, this Vulcan
would give him what he wanted if he had something to offer him. Soma knew just
what that something was and disgusted him. If he could find another option he would
take it, but he knew where his responsability laid. He just had to dangle the 'bait' the right way.
Straightening himself, Soma walked up to the table the Vulcan was seated at and took up a seat
on the other side.
The Vulcan looked up at Soma "Make yourself at home." he said sarcastically
"My name is Captain Soma. I would speak with you."
"What about?"
Soma glanced towards the bar entrance which Selesh had left through moments before.
"I noticed you were talking to a mutual acquaintance of ours a few moments ago."
The Vulcan eyed Soma warily "What of it?"
"I represent... individuals who would be interested in speaking with Mr. Selesh."
The Vulcan's eyes narrowed "Your with the High Command."
"I did not say that." replied Soma
"You didn't have to." replied the Vulcan
"If you know Selesh, we would be interested in any information you
could supply us."
"I'm not an information broker Captain."
"I never suggested you were." replied Soma "I am merely requesting
your assistance in my investigation. Assistance that would be...appreciated."
"I'm afraid I can't help you." said the Vulcan turning back to his data pad.
Soma eyed the Vulcan for a moment. He was certain, the Vulcan was feigning disinterest
and merely needed the right incentive to bring him around. Soma pushed his chair from
the table and began to rise. "I will be continuing my investigation at the facility for at
least another solar day. If you can think of anything that might be useful
I would appreciate you contacting me. The Enterprise is in orbit..."
The Vulcan immediately became attentive as he looked up at Soma "Did you say Enterprise?"
*Got him* Soma thought "Yes, I'm her Captain."
"I once visited a ship named Enterprise. An Earth vessel under the command of a human named Archer."
"It's the same vessel."
The Vulcan's eyes narrowed suspiciously "Where is Captain Archer?"
"Temporarily reassigned. I am her Captain for the time being."
"Assigned by the High Command?"
"I'm afraid I can't discuss the matter."
"I understand" said the Vulcan with a nod
"If you find out anything you believe would be of use I would appreciate you
bringing it to myself ...or Sub Commander T'Pol."
Soma eyed the Vulcan cautiously. He could see the man's face betray his interest
in that last bit of information and it sent a cold chill down Soma's spine.
The Vulcan raised a brow and smiled at Soma "I will keep that in mind Captain."
Soma nodded to the Vulcan. Turning, he headed back across the main
floor to the stairs leading to the upper patron area. As he climbed the stairs,
he caught site of Lt. Reed at the top of the stairs.
"Captain?"
"We found a back door Lt." explained Soma as he he reached the top.
"Let's head back to the Enterprise."
"Back door sir?" asked Reed in confusion, but Soma seemed preoccupied
and either didn't hear the Lt or had just ignored him as he walked straight passed
Reed without another word.
Reed turned to Hoshi who had a concerned look on her face.
"Hoshi, what did the Captain mean?"
"We saw Selesh with a Vulcan Malcolm."
"A Vulcan" replied Reed in suprise.
"Not just any Vulcan...Tolaris"
"Tolaris" said Reed trying to recall why the name was so familiar. Then
it occured to him. "He was one of those emotion embracing Vulcan's
that visited Enterprise about a year ago."
Hoshi shook her head "He was also the one who...'violated'...T'Pol"
Reed looked at Hoshi in suprise "No....I had heard rumours, but..."
"It's true, I had to transcribe some of the ship's confidential log entries and Captain Archer
mentions it in them. I never told anyone. I discovered it by accident and I thought if
T'Pol wanted us to know she would have told us. The rumours were bad enough, but..."
Reed let out a deep exhale
"Do you think Captain Soma knows?" asked Hoshi
"I'm not sure, but he does seem a bit ...preoccupied." replied Reed "I've noticed he
looks at the Sub Commander...oddly."
Hoshi looked past Reed to see if Soma had doubled back. "You don't think they..."
"I don't know what to think, but right now we should just leave it be. Neither of
us are supposed to know about this so unless T'Pol is in danger
I think it's best we not say anything."
Shaking her head, Hoshi sighed "I guess your right."
"Come on, let's catch up to the Captain before he starts wondering what were
doing."
TBC...