Title: "Gateway" 36/45
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 36
T'Pol stopped in front of Captain Soma's quarters. She
placed her hand against the signal chime and then hesitated;
drawing her hand back. What was it about this man that caused
such conflict within her? She was a Vulcan and he was a fellow
Vulcan...a kinsman. No, he was much more than that. She could
sense it, but couldn't explain it...not logically.
She placed her hand to the chime once more, but this time the
hesitation was gone. She paused momentarily, awaiting a response.
Almost suddenly, the door slid open and Captain Soma stood in the doorway.
A look of surprise came over his features as he saw who was paying
him a visit.
"Sub Commander, what brings you here at this late hour?"
"I'm not intruding, Captain?" she asked him almost apologetically.
"Not at all." he answered shaking his head "I'm a nite owl."
T'Pol looked at him with a quizzical expression and Soma smiled.
"An Earth expression used to describe someone who
stays awake into the late hours like the Earth bird."
"I see." she replied
Soma's own expression changed to one of a questioning nature. He really
was surprised to see T'Pol on his doorstep." Is there something I can do for
you Sub Commander?"
She looked at him for a brief moment before replying "May I come in for
a moment, Captain?"
"Of course." he replied, stepping aside to let her in.
T'Pol walked into the dimly lit room. She glanced around noticing
how spartan the room was, but then Captain Soma had only arrived a short while
ago and his stay was only temporary. She glanced down and noticed
a candle and a makeshift rug. "I wasn't interrupting your
meditation Captain?"
"No, I finished a few hours ago. I was reading a book
Commander Tucker loaned me."
Glancing at the end table, T'Pol reached down and picked up the book
reading the title aloud "The Further Chronicles of Conan"
T'Pol looked up at Soma "A historical Earth figure of some note?"
Soma smiled at the Vulcan in spite of himself "Something like that."
T'Pol put the book down and turned towards the passing stars outside
the view port. She remained quiet at she watched the pinpoints of light streak by.
Soma looked at her questioningly as he cocked his head to one side
"So what's on your mind Sub Commander?"
She remained silent a few moments longer. She didn't look at him when she
finally replied. "I spoke with Lt. Reed this afternoon. He informed me what happened on
the bridge between you and Tolaris."
"I see." said Soma not sounding surprised
She turned away from the window and looked at Captain Soma. His chiseled
features were silhouetted by the shadows of the rooms low lighting.
"Why did you do it Captain?"
Soma looked at T'Pol for a moment and then shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe
I thought he had it coming." he said "or maybe I just didn't like the man."
T'Pol gave a hard swallow "You knew I had a history with Tolaris."
said T'Pol "That's why you chose not to tell me he would be coming
aboard....why you assigned me to duty that would take me
away from the bridge while he was aboard."
Soma simply nodded.
T'Pol looked down in thoughtful contemplation. She still failed
to grasp why this man would choose to keep Tolaris from
seeing her. Logically there were two possibilities "Were you trying to
spare me from having to see Tolaris again or from seeing what you
might do to him?"
Soma let out a low sigh "A little of both I suppose."
he admitted "I actually hadn't intended to hit him, but he was such a
smug bastard...."
He stopped and took a deep breathe. T'Pol looked at his face and saw
twinge of pain in his features. She realized immediately that pain was
for her.
"Thank You." she said softly
Soma looked up at her. This time he was surprised and didn't hide it.
"Your right" she said swallowing hard "He did... 'have it coming'."
The pained look he had increased as he saw the sorrow in her eyes. This was a part of her
life she found difficult to put behind her. He took a step towards her but stopped unsure
if he was welcome.
"I'm sorry." she said as he remained quiet and motionless
"I have treated you with disrespect and disgust since you came aboard."
she said pausing unable to look at him "I had no right to do that or to
question your authority...your heritage. You are a good man Jonathan Soma."
"Your right." he said "You have treated me very badly since I've arrived."
She looked up at him meekly as his words threatened to overwhelm her
in her own shame.
"But I understand why." he added "It's not easy seeing the parts of yourself your uncertain of."
She looked at him unable to conceal her surprise.
"Oh, T'Pol" he sighed "So many questions, but so few answers. That's what
brought you aboard Enterprise wasn't it? A need for answers about yourself.
Questions you had been asking yourself since you were old enough to realize
you were different from other Vulcans."
She stared at him in disbelief. This man...this stranger was telling her things
about herself that she had only started to acknowledge to herself.
"I understand what your...feeling" he told her "You looked among your own
kind for answers, but found none. Then along came those humans. Illogical,
egotistical, arrogant, inquisitive, courageous passionate humans. For all
their flaws they were able to do something no Vulcan could; give you answers."
She nodded her head meekly in response.
"But the longer you stay among them the more you fear you will betray
what it means to be Vulcan." "
She moved towards him, closing the distance to mere inches. Looking up
into his gentle features she asked the question that resonated in her mind
"Who are you?"
Soma hesitated for a moment as he contemplated the ramifications of the truth.
He wanted to tell her who he was. What he was... but he knew he could not.
"I'm...a friend." he said finally "If your looking for one."
T'Pol studied Soma's face. She knew there was more to the man than he
was willing or able to say. She wanted to ask him once more, but chose not to.
She decided she would respect this man's decision. "I would like that very much."
The two Vulcan's stared at one another for several moments before T'Pol
spoke "I should go Captain. I am due on the bridge in a few minutes."
Soma shook his head "I'm here if you want to talk."
"Thank you Captain." she replied nodding slightly. She turned and began
to walk towards the door, but stopped and turned abruptly."
"Captain"
"Yes?"
"If you find that I still deserve the distinction. I would
find it very agreeable to be your Number One."
Soma smiled at her "I think we can arrange that."
"Goodnight Captain."
"Goodnight Number One."
T'Pol exited the Captain's quarters making her way down the corridor to the turbo lift.
Her bridge duty was do to start in a few minutes and she made it a rule to never be late.
As she rounded the bend in the corridor, she stopped when she saw who had just exited the turbo
lift.
Commander Tucker had just gotten off double shifts. He and his staff had been making repairs
to the damage inflicted in the battle with the Suliban formation. He had to give Captain
Soma credit, the man certainly had Captain Archer beat hands down when it came to all the
repairs he and his staff had to do when Soma took them into combat. Tucker was looking forward
to a shower and some much needed rest in his quarters. Looking up as he exited the lift
he saw Sub commander T'Pol standing in the middle of the corridor.
Tucker walked down the narrow corridor. He intended to side step
the Vulcan, but she moved to block his way. "Commander"
"Your in my way Sub Commander."
"I-I wish to speak with you."
He looked at her a moment. She almost seemed timid. It immediately resonated
in him and in spite of his anger he couldn't walk away.
"I wish to apologies for my behavior the other night."
Tucker shook his head "Ain't me you should be apologisin to."
"I have spoken to Captain Soma." she replied "We have...resolved our differences."
"I see...well that's good. Capn's a good man"
"Yes he is....I-I wish to resolve OUR differences as well."
"Nothin to resolve T'Pol. I was mad at ya...but I could never
stay mad. Your my friend T'Pol...I..." he stopped as he looked
in her eyes. The deep black pools glistened and he was sure
tears were threatening to fall.
Swallowing hard, Trip Tucker leaned closer so that they were mere inches
from one another "T'Pol...I-I.."
She looked into his face and suddenly nothing else seemed to matter
except him "Charles...."
Then suddenly an alert claxon broke them from their revelry
as the sound of Lt. Reed's voice blared through the ship's intercom
"Red Alert, all hands battle stations!"
Trip Tucker was about to hit the comm unit on the wall when he saw Captain Soma
round the corner.
"Cap'n, what's goin on?"
"Three Vulcan warships just dropped out of warp. They have their
weapons armed and locked on Enterprise."
Tucker's eyes opened wide "What?!"
T'Pol looked at Soma unable to hide her shock
"Number One, your with me. Chief..."
"I'm already on my way." said Tucker "I'll see what I can do to increase
the power to the hull platin and phase cannons, but I'm not sure
if it's gonna help against three Vulcan battlecrusiers."
"Do what you can Chief." replied Soma "Let's go T'Pol"
-----------------------------------------
Captain Soma and Sub Commander T'Pol exited the turbo lift.
T'Pol took up her station and Soma rounded the bridge railing to the command
chair
"Report" he ordered
"Captain, they've assumed positions port, starboard,
and aft." replied Reed "They have us surrounded and their weapons are locked
on us. They've been hailing us...demanding to speak to Captain Archer.
I've been stalling, but I know how much longer they'll hold out."
"Hoshi, open a channel."
The comm officer activated the ship's comm system "Open sir"
"This is Captain Soma of the Starfleet vessel Enterprise. Why are you takin g a hostile
stance against my ship?"
The view screen flashed momentarily and then a face very familiar to the Enterprise
officers filled the screen
"This is Ambassador Soval. Who are you and where is Captain Archer?"
"Captain Archer has been temporarily reassigned. In the interim I have been placed in
command of the Enterprise."
Soval eyed Soma skeptically "I am unfamiliar with your name .
By whose authority are you acting as 'Captain'."
"I'm afraid I cannot tell you that Ambassador. I have been assigned here for
a secret mission by the High Command. The nature of which is highly classified."
Soma knew this eras Vulcan High Command often conducted clandestine operations
of a highly sensitive and secret nature. Operations that even high ranking dignitaries
such as Ambassador Soval were not privy to. It would be difficult to check on.
Soma approached the viewer "Now... why are three Vulcan battle cruisers surrounding
my ship with weapons charged?"
Soval stared at Soma for a moment. The Ambassador was not satisfied with the Vulcan
Captain's explanation, but there would be time enough to verify or refute it. "Because
Captain...as of 2200 hours yesterday, a Starfleet warship attacked and destroyed the
Vulcan ship's T'Mir and Solen...killing all 600 Vulcan's aboard the two ships"
T'Pol stood up from her station "Surely there must be a mistake Ambassador?"
"There is no mistake Sub Commander." explained Soval "Nor is there any doubt as to
the intentions behind the act...a clear and deliberate act of war against Vulcan by the Earth."
"Captain Soma...you are hereby ordered to surrender your ship and her crew as prisoners
of war. If you do not do so immediately, I will give the order to destroy the Enterprise."
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 36
T'Pol stopped in front of Captain Soma's quarters. She
placed her hand against the signal chime and then hesitated;
drawing her hand back. What was it about this man that caused
such conflict within her? She was a Vulcan and he was a fellow
Vulcan...a kinsman. No, he was much more than that. She could
sense it, but couldn't explain it...not logically.
She placed her hand to the chime once more, but this time the
hesitation was gone. She paused momentarily, awaiting a response.
Almost suddenly, the door slid open and Captain Soma stood in the doorway.
A look of surprise came over his features as he saw who was paying
him a visit.
"Sub Commander, what brings you here at this late hour?"
"I'm not intruding, Captain?" she asked him almost apologetically.
"Not at all." he answered shaking his head "I'm a nite owl."
T'Pol looked at him with a quizzical expression and Soma smiled.
"An Earth expression used to describe someone who
stays awake into the late hours like the Earth bird."
"I see." she replied
Soma's own expression changed to one of a questioning nature. He really
was surprised to see T'Pol on his doorstep." Is there something I can do for
you Sub Commander?"
She looked at him for a brief moment before replying "May I come in for
a moment, Captain?"
"Of course." he replied, stepping aside to let her in.
T'Pol walked into the dimly lit room. She glanced around noticing
how spartan the room was, but then Captain Soma had only arrived a short while
ago and his stay was only temporary. She glanced down and noticed
a candle and a makeshift rug. "I wasn't interrupting your
meditation Captain?"
"No, I finished a few hours ago. I was reading a book
Commander Tucker loaned me."
Glancing at the end table, T'Pol reached down and picked up the book
reading the title aloud "The Further Chronicles of Conan"
T'Pol looked up at Soma "A historical Earth figure of some note?"
Soma smiled at the Vulcan in spite of himself "Something like that."
T'Pol put the book down and turned towards the passing stars outside
the view port. She remained quiet at she watched the pinpoints of light streak by.
Soma looked at her questioningly as he cocked his head to one side
"So what's on your mind Sub Commander?"
She remained silent a few moments longer. She didn't look at him when she
finally replied. "I spoke with Lt. Reed this afternoon. He informed me what happened on
the bridge between you and Tolaris."
"I see." said Soma not sounding surprised
She turned away from the window and looked at Captain Soma. His chiseled
features were silhouetted by the shadows of the rooms low lighting.
"Why did you do it Captain?"
Soma looked at T'Pol for a moment and then shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe
I thought he had it coming." he said "or maybe I just didn't like the man."
T'Pol gave a hard swallow "You knew I had a history with Tolaris."
said T'Pol "That's why you chose not to tell me he would be coming
aboard....why you assigned me to duty that would take me
away from the bridge while he was aboard."
Soma simply nodded.
T'Pol looked down in thoughtful contemplation. She still failed
to grasp why this man would choose to keep Tolaris from
seeing her. Logically there were two possibilities "Were you trying to
spare me from having to see Tolaris again or from seeing what you
might do to him?"
Soma let out a low sigh "A little of both I suppose."
he admitted "I actually hadn't intended to hit him, but he was such a
smug bastard...."
He stopped and took a deep breathe. T'Pol looked at his face and saw
twinge of pain in his features. She realized immediately that pain was
for her.
"Thank You." she said softly
Soma looked up at her. This time he was surprised and didn't hide it.
"Your right" she said swallowing hard "He did... 'have it coming'."
The pained look he had increased as he saw the sorrow in her eyes. This was a part of her
life she found difficult to put behind her. He took a step towards her but stopped unsure
if he was welcome.
"I'm sorry." she said as he remained quiet and motionless
"I have treated you with disrespect and disgust since you came aboard."
she said pausing unable to look at him "I had no right to do that or to
question your authority...your heritage. You are a good man Jonathan Soma."
"Your right." he said "You have treated me very badly since I've arrived."
She looked up at him meekly as his words threatened to overwhelm her
in her own shame.
"But I understand why." he added "It's not easy seeing the parts of yourself your uncertain of."
She looked at him unable to conceal her surprise.
"Oh, T'Pol" he sighed "So many questions, but so few answers. That's what
brought you aboard Enterprise wasn't it? A need for answers about yourself.
Questions you had been asking yourself since you were old enough to realize
you were different from other Vulcans."
She stared at him in disbelief. This man...this stranger was telling her things
about herself that she had only started to acknowledge to herself.
"I understand what your...feeling" he told her "You looked among your own
kind for answers, but found none. Then along came those humans. Illogical,
egotistical, arrogant, inquisitive, courageous passionate humans. For all
their flaws they were able to do something no Vulcan could; give you answers."
She nodded her head meekly in response.
"But the longer you stay among them the more you fear you will betray
what it means to be Vulcan." "
She moved towards him, closing the distance to mere inches. Looking up
into his gentle features she asked the question that resonated in her mind
"Who are you?"
Soma hesitated for a moment as he contemplated the ramifications of the truth.
He wanted to tell her who he was. What he was... but he knew he could not.
"I'm...a friend." he said finally "If your looking for one."
T'Pol studied Soma's face. She knew there was more to the man than he
was willing or able to say. She wanted to ask him once more, but chose not to.
She decided she would respect this man's decision. "I would like that very much."
The two Vulcan's stared at one another for several moments before T'Pol
spoke "I should go Captain. I am due on the bridge in a few minutes."
Soma shook his head "I'm here if you want to talk."
"Thank you Captain." she replied nodding slightly. She turned and began
to walk towards the door, but stopped and turned abruptly."
"Captain"
"Yes?"
"If you find that I still deserve the distinction. I would
find it very agreeable to be your Number One."
Soma smiled at her "I think we can arrange that."
"Goodnight Captain."
"Goodnight Number One."
T'Pol exited the Captain's quarters making her way down the corridor to the turbo lift.
Her bridge duty was do to start in a few minutes and she made it a rule to never be late.
As she rounded the bend in the corridor, she stopped when she saw who had just exited the turbo
lift.
Commander Tucker had just gotten off double shifts. He and his staff had been making repairs
to the damage inflicted in the battle with the Suliban formation. He had to give Captain
Soma credit, the man certainly had Captain Archer beat hands down when it came to all the
repairs he and his staff had to do when Soma took them into combat. Tucker was looking forward
to a shower and some much needed rest in his quarters. Looking up as he exited the lift
he saw Sub commander T'Pol standing in the middle of the corridor.
Tucker walked down the narrow corridor. He intended to side step
the Vulcan, but she moved to block his way. "Commander"
"Your in my way Sub Commander."
"I-I wish to speak with you."
He looked at her a moment. She almost seemed timid. It immediately resonated
in him and in spite of his anger he couldn't walk away.
"I wish to apologies for my behavior the other night."
Tucker shook his head "Ain't me you should be apologisin to."
"I have spoken to Captain Soma." she replied "We have...resolved our differences."
"I see...well that's good. Capn's a good man"
"Yes he is....I-I wish to resolve OUR differences as well."
"Nothin to resolve T'Pol. I was mad at ya...but I could never
stay mad. Your my friend T'Pol...I..." he stopped as he looked
in her eyes. The deep black pools glistened and he was sure
tears were threatening to fall.
Swallowing hard, Trip Tucker leaned closer so that they were mere inches
from one another "T'Pol...I-I.."
She looked into his face and suddenly nothing else seemed to matter
except him "Charles...."
Then suddenly an alert claxon broke them from their revelry
as the sound of Lt. Reed's voice blared through the ship's intercom
"Red Alert, all hands battle stations!"
Trip Tucker was about to hit the comm unit on the wall when he saw Captain Soma
round the corner.
"Cap'n, what's goin on?"
"Three Vulcan warships just dropped out of warp. They have their
weapons armed and locked on Enterprise."
Tucker's eyes opened wide "What?!"
T'Pol looked at Soma unable to hide her shock
"Number One, your with me. Chief..."
"I'm already on my way." said Tucker "I'll see what I can do to increase
the power to the hull platin and phase cannons, but I'm not sure
if it's gonna help against three Vulcan battlecrusiers."
"Do what you can Chief." replied Soma "Let's go T'Pol"
-----------------------------------------
Captain Soma and Sub Commander T'Pol exited the turbo lift.
T'Pol took up her station and Soma rounded the bridge railing to the command
chair
"Report" he ordered
"Captain, they've assumed positions port, starboard,
and aft." replied Reed "They have us surrounded and their weapons are locked
on us. They've been hailing us...demanding to speak to Captain Archer.
I've been stalling, but I know how much longer they'll hold out."
"Hoshi, open a channel."
The comm officer activated the ship's comm system "Open sir"
"This is Captain Soma of the Starfleet vessel Enterprise. Why are you takin g a hostile
stance against my ship?"
The view screen flashed momentarily and then a face very familiar to the Enterprise
officers filled the screen
"This is Ambassador Soval. Who are you and where is Captain Archer?"
"Captain Archer has been temporarily reassigned. In the interim I have been placed in
command of the Enterprise."
Soval eyed Soma skeptically "I am unfamiliar with your name .
By whose authority are you acting as 'Captain'."
"I'm afraid I cannot tell you that Ambassador. I have been assigned here for
a secret mission by the High Command. The nature of which is highly classified."
Soma knew this eras Vulcan High Command often conducted clandestine operations
of a highly sensitive and secret nature. Operations that even high ranking dignitaries
such as Ambassador Soval were not privy to. It would be difficult to check on.
Soma approached the viewer "Now... why are three Vulcan battle cruisers surrounding
my ship with weapons charged?"
Soval stared at Soma for a moment. The Ambassador was not satisfied with the Vulcan
Captain's explanation, but there would be time enough to verify or refute it. "Because
Captain...as of 2200 hours yesterday, a Starfleet warship attacked and destroyed the
Vulcan ship's T'Mir and Solen...killing all 600 Vulcan's aboard the two ships"
T'Pol stood up from her station "Surely there must be a mistake Ambassador?"
"There is no mistake Sub Commander." explained Soval "Nor is there any doubt as to
the intentions behind the act...a clear and deliberate act of war against Vulcan by the Earth."
"Captain Soma...you are hereby ordered to surrender your ship and her crew as prisoners
of war. If you do not do so immediately, I will give the order to destroy the Enterprise."
TBC...