Disclaimer: see Chapter 1.

Chapter 17

The Command Center which had previously been the hub of the data gathering on the Xindi threat and Enterprise's mission into the Expanse, now was devoted to finding a way home, back to their own Universe and time.

The officers stood facing the main display as T'Pol presented her findings and her theories, with Trip following up and trying to put it into concrete terms for his colleagues.

Malcolm yawned and dug a finger in the corner of his eyes, no longer bothering to try to hide his fatigue. He absently rubbed at the healing scratch on his bare left forearm, his uniform sleeves being pushed up over his elbows.

Phlox frowned as he noticed that but decided not to say anything. He studied the other officers. They all looked washed out, even T'Pol. Hoshi was pale and Travis had lost his normal aura of buoyant indestructibility.

Trip had been working almost solidly since his rescue, taking catnaps when he felt the need and shoveling food as he worked. Despite his protestations that his injuries didn't bother him, he still moved carefully and kept his ribs strapped up. A smaller dressing covered the cut to his head. Smudges of grease on his face and around his knuckles and nails showed that he had been doing his part to get the ship straight alongside his engineers. How he had managed to keep the team working at top efficiency and still act as a sounding board for T'Pol was anyone's guess. He pulled his hand around the back of his neck, stretching his head up and straightening slowly to pull any kinks out.

T'Pol concluded her briefing. "And so, based on these calculations, there should be sufficient energy available to us to create a corridor for us to return."

She paused, anticipating questions. Hoshi and Travis nodded, not having followed much of the mathematical work but happy to take its conclusion on trust. Malcolm was frowning, trying unsuccessfully to fully understand what she had said.

"You said we will extract the energy from the virtual space via one of the Thraxian portals?" asked Malcolm.

"Yeah," said Trip. "If we can keep a portal open, the energy should erupt through it as the space contracts. That will be its only outlet."

"Should we open more than one portal?" asked Travis. "That way, even if the Thraxians shut one down, we would be able to carry on."

"No," replied T'Pol. "We need to define a single point at which the leakage occurs."

"We should use the portal we went through," said Malcolm decisively. "We could try access via another one but I'm sure they will have similar levels of protection. At least we know what the one in the camp is like."

"Agreed," said T'Pol as the others nodded.

"What happens if they manage to close the portal before the process is complete?" asked Malcolm, rubbing his hand over his chin.

"Then, Lieutenant, we would have insufficient energy to form the rift in the continuum and be unable to return home," said T'Pol gravely. "However, that is a moot point. Once the flow is started, it will be impossible to close the connection. The amount will be too great to stop."

Trip pulled up a schematic onto the main display and highlighted various regions. He said, "I had a good look at the Thraxian power system when we went walkabout around their construction. Obviously at the time I didn't know what they were doing, but I got an idea as to how they are set up. I'll need to create an overload condition - channel the various energy streams so that they combine - as shown here. There are safeguards to prevent that, but I believe I can bypass them."

Travis said, "I could go with Commander Tucker to help. I've seen what it's like. Just tell me what to do."

Trip nodded. "An extra pair of hands would be useful, Travis. Thanks." He tipped his head toward Malcolm. "It'll take some time to divert the energy in the system and circumvent the safety mechanisms. We will need plenty of protection from the MACOs."

Malcolm said, with a smile at Phlox, "The Doctor has come up with an excellent idea to get the odds in our favor. It should keep the Thraxians off our backs for as long as we need."

Phlox forced a small smile. "I am pleased to be able to assist. But..." He stopped.

T'Pol prompted, "Doctor?"

Phlox gave a heavy sigh, his face falling back into unaccustomed grimness. "I have a request to make. I am having difficulty treating the Captain. Is there any way we can obtain information as to what was actually done to him?"

"We could capture one of the Thraxians for interrogation," suggested Malcolm.

"No, no, that wouldn't be any good," said Trip. "How would we find out which of them knew what to do? However, they implied that they have routinely carried out the procedure on other humans. We might be able to tap into their information systems and download their medical data."

Phlox said, "That would be perfect, if it can be done." He brightened up at the prospect.

Hoshi looked around at the others, and then said, "In that case, let me go down as well. I can find what we need better than anyone else."

"Hoshi..." protested Malcolm, half-heartedly.

"It's okay," said Hoshi, with a smile. "You know, I'm feeling much better. I'm sure I can do this."

"It will mean transporting there and back," said Malcolm watching for her reaction.

"I know. I'll keep my eyes closed," said Hoshi, hoping that indeed she would be able to go through with it. After all, she had transported across to the Xindi weapon and back. Of course, then she had had the 'advantage' of being barely conscious. She balled her hands into tight fists. She had to do it. She was strong, she told herself.

T'Pol looked towards Phlox to see if he objected. Phlox shrugged his shoulders and said, "It isn't ideal, but I think Ensign Sato is sufficiently recovered to undertake such a mission if she is willing to do that."

"Very well," said T'Pol. "Ensign, you will be part of the team that transports down."

"Thank you, Hoshi," said Phlox.

Travis said hesitantly, "There is something else. What will happen to the Thraxians in their virtual space, and more to the point, what about the humans on this Earth?"

T'Pol said, "The Earth should remain virtually unaffected as the energy will be directed toward us in high orbit. Our maneuver will use all that is available, so there should be no reflux back to the Earth. There may be some casualties in the immediate environment of the portal, but I would expect them to be few. I fear the Thraxians will be killed, unless they have an emergency evacuation procedure - which they might do."

Travis frowned. "Can we justify that, merely so that we can get home?"

"Well, I for one don't care about the Thraxians, Ensign," said Malcolm belligerently. "We'll see what can be done to keep the humans away."

Travis looked concerned at this unambiguous declaration. "But, Sir..." he began.

Trip interrupted. "Travis, I would prefer it if we could just get home without harming the Thraxians - yes, even after what they've done to us and to the Captain. I don't want to be as bad as they are. But there's not only everyone on this ship to consider. We've also got to help the humans of this Earth. We've got to stop the aliens using them as... as mere playthings. The Thraxians have corrupted this world and its people. Countless thousands of humans, millions perhaps, have died directly because of the aliens' manipulations."

Trip frowned and ran a hand across the back of his neck. He continued quietly, "There aren't enough of us to be able to stop them any other way. True, our main aim is to get home, but if we also destroy the Thraxian influence here in the process, we will have done some good."

Travis nodded slowly. "I understand. Sometimes there isn't a neat and tidy solution. It's difficult, though."

Trip said, "Yeah, I know it is."

T'Pol said, taking in the weary people around her, "We need to consider the more detailed aspects of the mission. Then I suggest that we delay prior to implementation to permit rest."

Phlox said, "I know everyone is tired. Normally I would also recommend rest but I am very much afraid for the Captain. Time is of the essence."

The others exchanged worried looks. They hadn't appreciated how serious the Captain's condition was.

Trip bit his lip. "In that case, we shouldn't wait. Anyway, now we are nearly ready, I don't want to stop to rest. I don't think I could anyway."

Malcolm said, "The adrenalin will kick in when we go. We won't notice how tired we are. I vote for not delaying either, if it will help the Captain."

T'Pol said, "I agree also. We will carry on."

Trip said, "I'll ask Chef to bring some coffee. No need to stop if we're on a roll, is there?"

They settled down for another long session.

----------------

The transporter bay had never seen so much activity, not even in the final rush to commission Enterprise to speed her on her maiden voyage.

Ensign Walsh was at the controls with Travis anxiously by his side, double-checking each destination point of the database units. They had already sent down the units allocated to locations on Earth's other hemisphere and Enterprise had now returned to her original station. A stack of devices destined for dispersal from this point were now being transported down, one at a time to minimize any chance of error.

Travis was aware of the others crowding in behind him, shifting impatiently and needlessly checking their equipment once again as they waited for this phase of the operation to be completed. Travis glanced at Trip who gave an encouraging smile. It lifted his weary features.

"You're doing a fine job," Trip assured the two Ensigns. He laid a confident hand on the console and gave it a pat. "You keep on going like this too," he told the transporter device. "Nice and reliable, please."

Malcolm stepped over to see how matters were progressing. He heard Trip's plea to the transporter device - their weak link, feared Malcolm. He said quietly, "Ensign Walsh - remember, whatever happens, it is imperative that you keep that active transporter lock open on the portal once the forcefield is down."

"Yes, Sir," said Walsh, concentrating on his current task.

"I mean it. Even if it means having to leave people behind," said Malcolm, driving his point home.

Walsh nodded. He had been told this so many times by now that it was ingrained in his mind. He hoped it would not come to that but he thought he could deal with it if he had to.

Malcolm muttered to Trip, "Do you really think that we will be able to use the transporter lock to direct the energy where we need it?"

Trip gave him a considering look. "You saw the equations."

"Umm..."

"T'Pol thinks so, and so do I. It's our best shot anyway. There's no physical conductor that could cope with that level of power flow. The energy should follow the path defined by the lock from the portal to the space around Enterprise. The path of least resistance." He looked around. "Is everyone ready?"

"Yes, Commander." Malcolm surveyed the assembly - all keen and ready to go, even Hoshi.

Trip watched as the last database unit shimmered on the transporter pad and vanished. He gazed around at the expectant faces around him and commed T'Pol who was on the bridge.

"Tucker to T'Pol. We're all set to go." He saw the tensing of muscles as the people around him heard his commitment to action.

"Understood. Proceed... Good Luck," said T'Pol in a dispassionate voice.

Trip raised his eyebrow at that illogical notion and saw the MACOs exchange grins. He grinned too. It even raised a wan smile from Hoshi who was looking like she was going to throw up. It seemed T'Pol was prepared to unbend in order to accommodate human needs.

"Proceed, Lieutenant," said Trip, giving Malcolm a slap on the back.

Malcolm gave a brisk "Aye, Sir" and motioned the first group forward to take their places.

------------------

On Earth - the parallel Earth - it was a dark, warm night despite the fine rain. There was a half moon but it was obscured by heavy cloud. Ideal conditions for the mission.

The first MACOs to transport down crouched alertly around the edge of the transport destination to secure the boundaries. It was a still night, with no sign that they had been detected but they were taking no chances. The MACOs barely noticed the light drizzle as they concentrated on the mission, even though for most it had been a very long time indeed since they had last felt rain on their faces. They stood-by as the remaining members of the team transported down.

A brief check showed all was well - everyone had arrived without incident. Hoshi gave a bright brittle smile and received a reassuring squeeze on her arm from Travis. Trip breathed a sigh of relief and gestured to Malcolm to move off.

The team slipped forward in their designated order with MACOS leading and flanking. When they reached the camp, they dropped down front first on the damp earth. Bringing up the gain on his image intensifier display, Malcolm observed that the boundary fence looked much the same as it had before. The damage caused by their previous assault had been repaired and there were more sentries on view, but from his position he couldn't make out any additional defenses. He gave a satisfied grunt. That agreed with T'Pol and Trip's prediction that the soldiers and aliens would not be expecting a return visit.

Cautiously, Malcolm swept his scope around once more but saw nothing untoward. He glanced at McKenzie and Kemper to either side. They signaled 'no problems'. Malcolm turned his head to look at Trip who was immediately behind him and gave a quick 'okay' gesture. Trip took a deep breath and then patted Malcolm's leg, confirming that the attack should proceed. Malcolm nodded his understanding.

At a silent signal from Malcolm, the MACOs acted, taking out the sentries with ease. The increased numbers meant nothing against Enterprise's superior technology.

The assault team deployed forwards, running quickly but quietly, with only the occasional crack of a disturbed twig betraying them. They breached the fence in several places and made for the forcefield-protected dome, stopping short of it in the lee of a nearby building. Only Malcolm carried on, hugging the shadows cast by the floodlights scouring the camp.

Trip watched anxiously as Malcolm ghosted across open ground and squatted down near the forcefield itself, watching for any patrols within the camp. At every moment, Trip expected the alarm to be raised. They had a contingency plan for that, of course, but he didn't want to go there if he could possibly help it.

As Malcolm expertly fixed his charges he had a chance to observe the rippling field again. He had calculated that he would need to destroy every second one of the emitters to bring down the field completely. His closer observation confirmed that judgment. The field was too uniformly strong to attempt anything less and expect success. The first step was to get the team inside the field, however.

When the charges were set, Malcolm signaled to the others. They rushed forward to the periphery of the forcefield as Malcolm detonated the charges. The field faltered and the team pushed themselves through breach in the field. Silently, they ran through the door and into the interior of the building, closing the door behind them. Once inside, they relaxed a little and breathed more normally. Hoshi gave Travis a weak smile, thankful to have got that stage out of the way.

The first phase was complete. The team had reached the first objective. But the empty lobby gave an illusion of safety - they all knew that. At any moment an alien might appear from the portal room or someone enter from the camp. The MACOs were alert, weapons ready for just such an eventuality.

"The forcefield?" whispered Trip to Malcolm.

"I can deal with it," confirmed Malcolm, ducking his head to pull the rifle strap over his head and handing his weapon to Trip.

Malcolm had decided to deal with this job by himself. He needed to be certain that each microcharge was precisely positioned on the emitter. Until he had a proper look at the emitters themselves, he wouldn't know where the optimum placement was.

"Be careful," said Trip, hating his own inactivity.

Malcolm gave a daredevil grin and swung his bag around to his front. As he darted through the door to risk the outside once more, Trip realized that his friend was actually enjoying it! That was another moment when Trip knew he had opted for the correct career path. This time, Malcolm would have to negotiate the entire boundary defined by the forcefield, increasing the chances of detection. Trip could only stand and wait for the charges to be placed - there was no way for him even to observe what was happening. Kemper caught Trip's uncertain look and gave a firm nod, solid in his belief that they would succeed. Trip was grateful for that unequivocal gesture and tried to settle, working through again in his mind what he would need to do when they reached the power system within the virtual space.

Malcolm indeed was relishing his foray into danger, the adrenalin driving him onward. He dropped down next to the first emitter, running quick hands over its casing as he peered at it via his scope and noting the conduit which must be the power input. He attached his first charge in the appropriate place. This wouldn't take long if they were all of the same pattern, he thought.

He ran on to the next emitter to be mined, missing out the immediately adjacent one. That was the same. He worked quickly but carefully through the remainder, always ensuring a firm connection. He had got three quarters of the way around the periphery when a soft murmur of voices drifted over to him from a nearby building. Soldiers and they were getting closer - walking in his direction!

Malcolm jumped back and flattened against the curved wall, gradually retreating as the voices advanced. He was aware of one of the searchlights sweeping this area, lighting the building in the region just behind him. If he carried on backwards, he would end up caught in its glare. He couldn't run forward to the forcefield without the men spotting him.

He squinted into the dark shadows, trying to make out the shapes of the soldiers. Then he saw that they had stopped. He caught a fragment of conversation - not enough to make any sense of it but seemingly some good-natured joking. He couldn't move without being spotted. He was trapped.

TBC

A/N: I had intended this to be the penultimate chapter, but it grew and grew, so I decided to split it into two. I will post the next chapter tomorrow (::looks at computer menacingly::) and should have the story finished by Friday.