Title: "Gateway" 38/45
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 38
Captain's Starlog...I'm going to make this entry quick. I don't know how much time
I have or even if I'll get another chance to make an entry. Three Vulcan battle cruisers
have surrounded the 'Enterprise'. Soval, the Vulcan Ambassador to Earth, is
aboard one of the cruisers and he has informed me that Vulcan and Earth are 'unofficially'
at war. He claims a Starfleet "warship" attacked and destroyed two Vulcan ships. He has
ordered me to surrender the 'Enterprise' or he will have the Vulcan ships destroy us.
Given the circumstances, I have agreed to stand down and allow Ambassador
Soval and a Vulcan security detail to board Enterprise. It's my hope that
we can find some 'logical' explanation for the purported attack.
The airlock pressurized as an oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere filled the compartment
connecting the Enterprise to the Vulcan battle cruiser 'Volaris'. It had been less than fifteen minutes
since the 'Volaris and two other Vulcan T'mira class battle cruisers had surrounded the Enterprise
with orders to destroy her if she didn't surrender. The situation was extremely tense and it was only
through the intervention of Sub Commander T'Pol that a meeting between Captain Soma and
Ambassador Soval was possible.
The airlock light flashed from red to green, indicating the corridor was properly pressurized.
Captain Soma could hear the outer door opening. He looked over at his two senior officers.
T'Pol remained a masque of stoic reserve while Tucker made no effort to hide his alarm and concern.
Trip Tucker glanced over at his Captain "Are you sure this is a good idea, sir?"
Soma arched his brow "What choice do we have? Enterprise is no match for a
Vulcan battle cruiser, let alone three."
"You don't seem very worried, Capn."
"Would it help?" countered the Captain
Tucker furowed his brow "Guess not."
"Then why worry."
Tucker was about to voice another comment, when the sound of the airlock door opening silenced
him.
"Stand too." ordered Soma "Remember what I told you. That goes double for you Chief."
Tucker nodded "Aye Cap'n"
"Yes, sir" replied T'Pol
The airlock door opened and a Vulcan security officer, in full combat armor, stepped through the door.
He was followed by a second and then a third. The Vulcan security officers looked more like Klingons
thought Tucker. The three men motioned the Enterprise officers to raise their hands. One of them pulled
out a hand scanner and ran it over Soma, T'Pol and Tucker. When he was satisfied of the results, he
nodded to another guard who spoke into a small comm mic in his helmet.
After several moments, another Vulcan appeared in the access opening. This Vulcan was all to familiar
to the three officers. Ambassador Soval had proven to be a staunch opponent to human space exploration.
His claim was that humans were not ready for the complex interaction with alien species that would be
required from a space faring race.
Ambassador Soval stepped through the archway and approached Captain Soma. The two men stood
face to face for a brief moment as each studied the other. Physically, Soval looked only a few years older
than Soma. In actuality he was several decades older. Soval scrutinized the man.
"Captain" said Soval civilly
Soma nodded "Ambassador Soval, I am grateful that you have agreed to this meeting."
Soval arched his brow as he shook his head "My agreement to meet with you Captain, was based solely
on the advisement of Sub Commander T'Pol. She has been a trusted aid to me for many years.
I value her council."
T'Pol looked at Soval for a moment before returning to attention. Soval returned the look.
He thought he detected an emotional content in her features, but quickly dismissed the
notion.
"Of course, Ambassador...may I suggest we continue this conversation in the observation lounge."
said Soma pointing to a nearby entranceway.
Soval glanced at one of his security detail, who immediately made his way to the door. Finding it unlocked, he
entered the room, weapon ready and began running a detailed scan. When he was certain the room was safe,
he signaled to Soval who made his was to the room.
Soval took a seat at the rectangular shaped table. He was flanked by one of the security guards. The other
two stood guard over Soma, Tucker and T'Pol as they took their seats across from the Ambassador. As
T'Pol began to sit, Soval motioned her to join him. She glanced at Soma and Tucker briefly and then vacated
the chair and took the seat next to Soval. Trip Tucker gave her a menacing stare.
Soma glanced behind him making a mental note of where the two security guards
were. Turning his attention to the table, he addressed Soval. "Now Ambassador, I would
appreciate an explanation."
"I have already done so Captain." replied Soval coolly "A Starfleet vessel attacked and destroyed two
Vulcan ships."
"You have proof of this?" asked Soma
"I have." replied Soval as he removed a data padd from his cloak. He tapped several keys
on the interface and then handed the padd to Soma.
Soma looked at the image of the vessel on the padd. He glanced up at Soval and then back at
the padd before he laid it on the table.
Tucker looked over at the image." I ain't ever seen a Starfleet vessel like that."
"It is clearly a Starfleet design." said Soval "Your ship's have a...unique architecture to them."
Soma glanced down at the image again as he collected his thought. Tucker was right. He had
never seen a Starfleet vessel like that because it wouldn't be built for another one hundred
and fifty years. Captain Soma had recognized it immediately. It was the USS James T Kirk
and all he could think was what the hell it was doing in the 21st century. "I won't dispute that it
appears to be a Starfleet vessel, but a vessel's design is hardly damning evidence."
"It is enough evidence for us to act on Captain." countered Soval "We have attempted to contact Starfleet
with no response. Since I have had dealings with Captain Archer, I suggested to the Vulcan High
Command that I should make contact with the Enterprise and have Captain Archer escort three Vulcan
ships to Earth. Now I find that Captain Archer is no longer in command and that an unknown Vulcan
claiming to be an agent of the High Command has been placed in command of the Enterprise until
Captain Archer's return. I find all this very questionable in light of the circumstances.
"Captain Archer has been temporarily reassigned." replied Soma "I do not know where he is."
Soval raised his brow once more "I see."
T'pol looked at Soma. Her face was a stoic masque, but her eyes betrayed her. There
was a sadness in them. She turned from Soma and addressed Soval "Ambassador, that
is not true."
"T'Pol!" cried Tucker as he leapt from his seat. He made it about six inches before a heavily
armored Vulcan hand came down on his shoulder forcing him back into his chair.
Once Tucker was back down, Soval turned to T'Pol "Continue Sub Commander."
"Captain Soma took command of Enterprise under questionable circumstances.
His claim is that he is really a Starfleet Captain from the future and that he and
Captain Archer were ordered to temporarily exchange places for an undisclosed
mission."
Tucker looked at her in shock as she divulged everything to Soval.
"As the Ambassador is well aware, the Vulcan Science Directorate has stated
on several occasions that time travel is not possible. I submit that Captain
Soma's story should be scrutinized. It is my belief that Captain Soma does know
where Captain Archer is and he is attempting to conceal that information from
you for his own reasons."
"You bitch!" spat Tucker
"Chief!" said Soma putting his hand on the engineer's shoulder "Stand down...your not
helping the situation."
Tucker looked at Soma "She's sellin us out sir!"
Soma looked over at T'Pol. She returned his gaze.
"Given the questionable nature of your background 'Captain' Soma." said Soval
"I think it is best that you be relieved of command. I am placing Sub Commander
T'Pol in command of the Enterprise with orders to escort our ship's to Earth
where we will attempt to discover the truth."
Soma gave Soval a cold stare. He could see why Archer never spoke very highly of him.
He was a "god damn pain in the ass."
"Captain, I think it would be appropriate if you informed the crew that they
are to cooperate with Sub Commander T'Pol. We do not wish to see any of
the Enterprise crew injured if it can be avoided."
Soma began to rise. The two security guards raised their weapons, but stopped
when they saw Soval wave them off. Soma looked behind him at the two guards
and then back at Soval. He walked over the wall intercom and hit the ship wide
channel.
"Attention all hands, this is the Captain. As of now, all Enterprise crew will stand down.
The ship is now in Vulcan hands. No Enterprise crew will be harmed as long as you cooperate.
Sub Commander T'Pol has been placed in command. You will obey her orders as you
would mine. If we all cooperate...we'll get through this. That is all."
Soma turned to face Soval "I expect you to keep your word."
"I assure you Captain." replied Soval "The crew will not be harmed as long
as they cooperate."
Soval turned towards the security guards."Escort the Captain to his quarters." ordered
Soval
The Vulcan guard nodded and T'Pol stepped foward. "Captain Soma's quarters are
on on "C" deck...room 9."
"Captain, if you will accompany the guard." said Soval
Soma simply shook his head and started for the exit with the security guard in tow. He stopped
for a moment as he passed T'Pol. Turning, he looked at her. "I hope your proud of yourself Sub
Commander."
She raised a brow in response to his comment "Pride is a human emotion Captain.
As I'm sure you are well aware of."
The two Vulcan's stared at one another. No one else in the room was certain of what..if anything...
was being exchanged between them.
"Capn?" said Tucker
Soma turned from T'Pol and looked at Tucker "At ease Chief. Do as your told. See to the crew.
Their your responsability now."
"Yes sir." replied Tucker meekly as he watched Soma exit the observation lounge under guard.
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 38
Captain's Starlog...I'm going to make this entry quick. I don't know how much time
I have or even if I'll get another chance to make an entry. Three Vulcan battle cruisers
have surrounded the 'Enterprise'. Soval, the Vulcan Ambassador to Earth, is
aboard one of the cruisers and he has informed me that Vulcan and Earth are 'unofficially'
at war. He claims a Starfleet "warship" attacked and destroyed two Vulcan ships. He has
ordered me to surrender the 'Enterprise' or he will have the Vulcan ships destroy us.
Given the circumstances, I have agreed to stand down and allow Ambassador
Soval and a Vulcan security detail to board Enterprise. It's my hope that
we can find some 'logical' explanation for the purported attack.
The airlock pressurized as an oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere filled the compartment
connecting the Enterprise to the Vulcan battle cruiser 'Volaris'. It had been less than fifteen minutes
since the 'Volaris and two other Vulcan T'mira class battle cruisers had surrounded the Enterprise
with orders to destroy her if she didn't surrender. The situation was extremely tense and it was only
through the intervention of Sub Commander T'Pol that a meeting between Captain Soma and
Ambassador Soval was possible.
The airlock light flashed from red to green, indicating the corridor was properly pressurized.
Captain Soma could hear the outer door opening. He looked over at his two senior officers.
T'Pol remained a masque of stoic reserve while Tucker made no effort to hide his alarm and concern.
Trip Tucker glanced over at his Captain "Are you sure this is a good idea, sir?"
Soma arched his brow "What choice do we have? Enterprise is no match for a
Vulcan battle cruiser, let alone three."
"You don't seem very worried, Capn."
"Would it help?" countered the Captain
Tucker furowed his brow "Guess not."
"Then why worry."
Tucker was about to voice another comment, when the sound of the airlock door opening silenced
him.
"Stand too." ordered Soma "Remember what I told you. That goes double for you Chief."
Tucker nodded "Aye Cap'n"
"Yes, sir" replied T'Pol
The airlock door opened and a Vulcan security officer, in full combat armor, stepped through the door.
He was followed by a second and then a third. The Vulcan security officers looked more like Klingons
thought Tucker. The three men motioned the Enterprise officers to raise their hands. One of them pulled
out a hand scanner and ran it over Soma, T'Pol and Tucker. When he was satisfied of the results, he
nodded to another guard who spoke into a small comm mic in his helmet.
After several moments, another Vulcan appeared in the access opening. This Vulcan was all to familiar
to the three officers. Ambassador Soval had proven to be a staunch opponent to human space exploration.
His claim was that humans were not ready for the complex interaction with alien species that would be
required from a space faring race.
Ambassador Soval stepped through the archway and approached Captain Soma. The two men stood
face to face for a brief moment as each studied the other. Physically, Soval looked only a few years older
than Soma. In actuality he was several decades older. Soval scrutinized the man.
"Captain" said Soval civilly
Soma nodded "Ambassador Soval, I am grateful that you have agreed to this meeting."
Soval arched his brow as he shook his head "My agreement to meet with you Captain, was based solely
on the advisement of Sub Commander T'Pol. She has been a trusted aid to me for many years.
I value her council."
T'Pol looked at Soval for a moment before returning to attention. Soval returned the look.
He thought he detected an emotional content in her features, but quickly dismissed the
notion.
"Of course, Ambassador...may I suggest we continue this conversation in the observation lounge."
said Soma pointing to a nearby entranceway.
Soval glanced at one of his security detail, who immediately made his way to the door. Finding it unlocked, he
entered the room, weapon ready and began running a detailed scan. When he was certain the room was safe,
he signaled to Soval who made his was to the room.
Soval took a seat at the rectangular shaped table. He was flanked by one of the security guards. The other
two stood guard over Soma, Tucker and T'Pol as they took their seats across from the Ambassador. As
T'Pol began to sit, Soval motioned her to join him. She glanced at Soma and Tucker briefly and then vacated
the chair and took the seat next to Soval. Trip Tucker gave her a menacing stare.
Soma glanced behind him making a mental note of where the two security guards
were. Turning his attention to the table, he addressed Soval. "Now Ambassador, I would
appreciate an explanation."
"I have already done so Captain." replied Soval coolly "A Starfleet vessel attacked and destroyed two
Vulcan ships."
"You have proof of this?" asked Soma
"I have." replied Soval as he removed a data padd from his cloak. He tapped several keys
on the interface and then handed the padd to Soma.
Soma looked at the image of the vessel on the padd. He glanced up at Soval and then back at
the padd before he laid it on the table.
Tucker looked over at the image." I ain't ever seen a Starfleet vessel like that."
"It is clearly a Starfleet design." said Soval "Your ship's have a...unique architecture to them."
Soma glanced down at the image again as he collected his thought. Tucker was right. He had
never seen a Starfleet vessel like that because it wouldn't be built for another one hundred
and fifty years. Captain Soma had recognized it immediately. It was the USS James T Kirk
and all he could think was what the hell it was doing in the 21st century. "I won't dispute that it
appears to be a Starfleet vessel, but a vessel's design is hardly damning evidence."
"It is enough evidence for us to act on Captain." countered Soval "We have attempted to contact Starfleet
with no response. Since I have had dealings with Captain Archer, I suggested to the Vulcan High
Command that I should make contact with the Enterprise and have Captain Archer escort three Vulcan
ships to Earth. Now I find that Captain Archer is no longer in command and that an unknown Vulcan
claiming to be an agent of the High Command has been placed in command of the Enterprise until
Captain Archer's return. I find all this very questionable in light of the circumstances.
"Captain Archer has been temporarily reassigned." replied Soma "I do not know where he is."
Soval raised his brow once more "I see."
T'pol looked at Soma. Her face was a stoic masque, but her eyes betrayed her. There
was a sadness in them. She turned from Soma and addressed Soval "Ambassador, that
is not true."
"T'Pol!" cried Tucker as he leapt from his seat. He made it about six inches before a heavily
armored Vulcan hand came down on his shoulder forcing him back into his chair.
Once Tucker was back down, Soval turned to T'Pol "Continue Sub Commander."
"Captain Soma took command of Enterprise under questionable circumstances.
His claim is that he is really a Starfleet Captain from the future and that he and
Captain Archer were ordered to temporarily exchange places for an undisclosed
mission."
Tucker looked at her in shock as she divulged everything to Soval.
"As the Ambassador is well aware, the Vulcan Science Directorate has stated
on several occasions that time travel is not possible. I submit that Captain
Soma's story should be scrutinized. It is my belief that Captain Soma does know
where Captain Archer is and he is attempting to conceal that information from
you for his own reasons."
"You bitch!" spat Tucker
"Chief!" said Soma putting his hand on the engineer's shoulder "Stand down...your not
helping the situation."
Tucker looked at Soma "She's sellin us out sir!"
Soma looked over at T'Pol. She returned his gaze.
"Given the questionable nature of your background 'Captain' Soma." said Soval
"I think it is best that you be relieved of command. I am placing Sub Commander
T'Pol in command of the Enterprise with orders to escort our ship's to Earth
where we will attempt to discover the truth."
Soma gave Soval a cold stare. He could see why Archer never spoke very highly of him.
He was a "god damn pain in the ass."
"Captain, I think it would be appropriate if you informed the crew that they
are to cooperate with Sub Commander T'Pol. We do not wish to see any of
the Enterprise crew injured if it can be avoided."
Soma began to rise. The two security guards raised their weapons, but stopped
when they saw Soval wave them off. Soma looked behind him at the two guards
and then back at Soval. He walked over the wall intercom and hit the ship wide
channel.
"Attention all hands, this is the Captain. As of now, all Enterprise crew will stand down.
The ship is now in Vulcan hands. No Enterprise crew will be harmed as long as you cooperate.
Sub Commander T'Pol has been placed in command. You will obey her orders as you
would mine. If we all cooperate...we'll get through this. That is all."
Soma turned to face Soval "I expect you to keep your word."
"I assure you Captain." replied Soval "The crew will not be harmed as long
as they cooperate."
Soval turned towards the security guards."Escort the Captain to his quarters." ordered
Soval
The Vulcan guard nodded and T'Pol stepped foward. "Captain Soma's quarters are
on on "C" deck...room 9."
"Captain, if you will accompany the guard." said Soval
Soma simply shook his head and started for the exit with the security guard in tow. He stopped
for a moment as he passed T'Pol. Turning, he looked at her. "I hope your proud of yourself Sub
Commander."
She raised a brow in response to his comment "Pride is a human emotion Captain.
As I'm sure you are well aware of."
The two Vulcan's stared at one another. No one else in the room was certain of what..if anything...
was being exchanged between them.
"Capn?" said Tucker
Soma turned from T'Pol and looked at Tucker "At ease Chief. Do as your told. See to the crew.
Their your responsability now."
"Yes sir." replied Tucker meekly as he watched Soma exit the observation lounge under guard.
TBC...