Title: Future Tense

Part: 3

Author: M

Feedback: Yes please but go easy on me. :-p

Fandom: Enterprise crossed with Titan.

Pairing/characters: Riker/Troi. Blink and you'll miss it implied T/T'P

Rating: eh...if you've hit puberty, you're good.

Disclaimer: Trip (either Sim or the original) isn't mine. Will Riker isn't mine. Deanna Troi isn't mine. The USS Titan isn't mine. Kitara, Soleta, Ren, Drew Tucker, Sara Reed...they are. Sort of. And no, Soleta isn't Peter David's Soleta. :-p I got to using the name when I created this character years ago never thinking the other Soleta would get ressurrected. So...Trek Fen, it's not that Soleta. K:-p

Summary: Well...they say no one ever really dies in Star Trek...they're not wrong.

See Chapter One for author notes

"Future Tense"
by M.

Understandably, the man they'd now decided amongst themselves to refer to as 'Trip' had some trouble dealing with that. Pronounced fit to get out of Ren's sickbay and promptly booted out by the doctor herself, he was assigned guest quarters.

The moment he stepped into said quarters, the impact of what had really happened to him began to sink in. "These're your guest quarters?" He asked, his voice awed, as he looked about the main living area.

Having reviewed the schematics of the NX-01, Deanna was familiar with the sizing of crew quarters and the distinct lack of facilities that even approached the ones the Titan enjoyed. "Yes." She admitted calmly, unwilling to make a grand production of it it. Making more of an issue of it would, she suspected given his reaction, only complicate matters further. "The duties of starships have changed and grown over the years, Commander. Regulations and design have had to change with them."

"You could fit two or three of Enterprise's officers quarters into this." Trip observed before turning to look at her. "Are they all like this?"

She laughed. "The junior officers wish they were. No, I'm afraid members of lower ranks still have to share quarters but we do try to make them as comfortable as possible. Average missions can last far longer than they used to and although Starfleet's managed to expand it's network of bases, most starships have become self-contained cities. It's not uncommon to find families living aboard some starships and with families...come the necessary facilities."

"Are there any families on the Titan?" He asked with curiosity, eyes widening at the thought. "What happens if you get into a fight? That's gotta happen at least sometimes...you just fly into it, families and all?"

"It unfortunately does happen on occasion." Deanna allowed, moving into the room and letting the doors slide shut behind her. "In that event, yes, a starship with families aboard still proceeds into battle. Depending on the class of starship, there are contigencies captains can take to protect the people aboard. At this time, no, there aren't any families with children aboard ship. There are a number of married couples however." She smiled slightly. "Such as the captain and myself."

"Thought as much." He observed, a ghost of what she suspected to be his usual grin on his face.

"Did you now?" She teased, smiling both as reflex and an attempt to encourage a lightening of the mood. "A little obvious are we?"

"A little." Trip nodded. "Newlyweds?"

Deanna laughed, ducking her head. "Something of that nature, yes..." At his inquisitive look she laughed again. "It's complicated."

"I'll bet it is." He turned to walk a circuit of the room. "So, the ships got bigger...cushier..." A hopeful spark entered his eyes and Deanna suspected she had a very good idea of where his thoughts were going. "Did they by any chance happen to get a bit faster?"

"A bit." She agreed, a grin tugging at her mouth. He was practically dancing with excitement as she continued to answer his question, "the Titan is capable of reaching 9.99 and holding it for quite some time. But you'll find that out soon enough unless I'm mistaken." Taking a seat, she folded her hands on her knee and looked up at him. "So, I'm sure you have more questions."

"All I have are questions." Trip countered, dropping down onto the chair opposite her. "Two hundred years...Everyone I know - knew - I wanna know what happened to them, what happened to Earth, to my family, to Jon, Malcolm, Hoshi, Travis, Phlox...T'Pol." He paused, a question coming to mind. She could feel the intense curiosity washing off him, filling the room. When he could hold it no longer, he asked, "Counselor, if you don't mind my asking, what are you?" At her reaction, he immediately rushed to apologize. "I didn't mean to offend but you're not exactly human and..."

"It's all right, Trip." Deanna assured, laughing openly. "You didn't offend me. I just..." She shook her head. "If you could see yourself from my perspective...I am human. Half. The other half is Betazoid." She gave him a quick summary of her homeworld, leaving out a few pertinent details. Like her mother. "We joined the Federation in 2273."

"2273." He repeated dully, the implications of the casual reference pushing him back into the confused jumble of thoughts that had emerged in the moments after they'd told him. "It's..."

"Happened before." She finished for him with a slight smile. "It's actually happened a number of times." She hesitated, debating internally just how much to tell him, then plunged ahead. "Several times were aboard the Enterprise when I served aboard her." The jolt that went through him at the mention of her former home was precisely what she'd been expecting from him and he sat up, staring intently at her.

"The Enterprise? You served aboard...They built another one!"

Deanna nodded. "They've built several." Rising again she went to the desk console, gesturing for him to join her. "There was the NX-01 then years later, after the formation of the Federation, came the Enterprise NCC-1701 captained by Captains Robert April, Christopher Pike, and James T Kirk. You'll hear a lot about Captain Kirk." She looked up at him with amused eyes. "His name is considered synonymous with Enterprise. He captained both the NCC-1701 and her successor the NCC-1701-A. That ship was also captained by his former first officer, Captain Spock." She paused here and added, "Captain Spock's daughter is actually aboard. I'm sure she'd speak to you about this if you ask." Deanna'd caught a empathic glimpse of Soleta's mind when she'd left sickbay prior to Commander Tucker's awakening and from what she knew of her friend, Trip would be seeing the Vulcan sooner than he expected. "After the NCC-1701-A, there was the Enterprise B, the Enterprise C, and the Enterprise D."

"Which you served aboard." He interjected, eliciting a nod from her.

"Yes. I also served for a time aboard the Enterprise E which is still in service and still commanded by Captain Jean Luc Picard." Deanna smiled fondly at the thought of him. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind arranging a tour, the next time we're close enough."

"You said this had happened before...people from past eras showing up here?" Trip sank down onto a chair, watching her with curious eyes. "A lot?"

"Hmm...well, it doesn't happen weekly but it has happened. You aren't the first." She turned back to the console, bringing up several files for his perusal. "I've personally witnessed it a number of times. The first was a woman and two men put into cryogenic stasis in the 20th century and launched into orbit. The Enterprise discovered the ship, revived the passengers and I spent some time helping them adjust to a drastically different era. Everything they'd known and accepted as fact had completely changed. Even the very basis of their society...as these things go, Trip...you've actually got a very strong basis under your feet. You're at least familiar with the idea of space travel, a united Earth, warp drive..."

"Extraterrestrials." He finished with a chuckle. "No kidding. Going from that to this..." Trip sat back, shaking his head. "Wonder they managed to pull it off."

"They did." Deanna affirmed. "I still keep in touch with one of them. She's actually living with the descendants of her children. Quite happy."

"Descendants...can't imagine that one." Trip looked up as a sudden thought occurred to him. "Did the other...did Trip have a family?"

"He did." Deanna nodded. Knowing it was now or never on bringing up that part. "In fact, one of them is our Chief Engineer. Andrew Tucker. I'm sure you'll be meeting him soon enough."

"So, the Counselor told you, huh?" Turning away from one of the consoles, Andrew surveyed the clone with uncertain eyes, his look very similar to the one he was receiving from Trip. "Surprised?"

"Floored." Trip ventured further into Engineering, staring up at the pulsing warp core in awe. "Does this thing really do 9.99?"

"Yep." Drew agreed proudly, glad to be on familiar ground with his...ancestor. "We can hold it for about forty hours...forty five if I push her a bit." He led the other man closer to the warp core, looking up at it. "Starfleet'd give their eyeteeth to be able to break Warp Ten but..." He shrugged. "Nothing doing yet." Leaning against the railing, he folded his arms across his chest and surveyed Trip. "Captain's gonna wanna talk to you before long. He's giving you a chance to settle in, figure out everything...get used to the idea but..."

"He'll wanna know how the hell I got here?" He supplied with a lift of his brow. "Wish I knew."

"Eh, we know that." The Engineer waved a hand. "Got that from the tube we found you in. There's just a few blanks we need filled in and we're hoping you'll be the one to be able to do that."

"What blanks are those?" Trip frowned. "I went through the surgery, I died. Captain Archer and the others put me in the tube, shot me off into space, a few hundred years later, you all happen by it."

"Uh uh." Drew shook his head. "That torpedo tube was outfitted with 24th Century Starfleet technology, turned into a stasis pod of sorts. Someone from this time period was aboard the NX-01, modified that pod months in advance, waited for whatever happened to happen then administered medical aid to you between the time you were pronounced in Sickbay and before you were put into the pod."

"You know who it is." The other man commented suspiciously, straightening up.

"Yes. But that's not for me to discuss. Captain'll string me up for talkin' about this much but," he shrugged, "we're family right? Gotta stick together."

"Are we?" Trip frowned. "I might look like him, remember the things he did, felt but..."

"If the Commander has declared you to be family," a cool voice interjected, "then perhaps, Commander Tucker, you should simply accept it at that. It would be the determination of the Tucker family whether or not to accept you as kin. If Drew has done so, " they turned to see the lift descending from the upper level of Engineering carrying the still-speaking Soleta, "you would do well not to reject that acceptance."

Drew grinned at his friend then looked at Trip. "The Vulcan hath spoken. Best not try and argue with her, Trip. 'Leta's as tenacious as a Klingon Targ when she thinks she's right. Which is pretty much all the time."

Soleta arched a brow at him. "On the contrary, Commander, I would never display such unseemly arrogance."

"Put that eyebrow down." He countered. "You might hurt somebody with it."

The brow arched further as she advanced on them. "I apologize for Drew's sense of humor, Commander. In the time I have been aboard, I have attempted to adjust it some, however, I must admit defeat. It is warped beyond repair." Joining them, she tilted her head slightly to meet his gaze. "I apologize for the interruption." She held out a PADD to Andrew. "Further data on the stasis pod."

"Oh thanks, been waiting on this." He thumbed through it. "Man, the work..."

Soleta cleared her throat meaningfully, drawing his attention to the staff milling about them, some curiously watching the trio. "I would suggest, Drew, relocating to your office before reviewing the data. It is cleared for senior staff only until Starfleet determines what to do with it."

"Have we even heard back from Command yet?" Her fellow officer asked as the trio made their way through the bustling Engineering department, Trip craning his neck to take in everything as they went.

"No." She shook her head. "We expect it will be several more hours yet."

Safe within the confining walls of Drew's office, he was comfortable asking, "Think they'll bother to tell us where she is?"

"Unknown." She responded crisply, settling into a chair. "It would depend on the nature of her present assignment."

"Uh, who exactly is she?" Trip asked, taking the chair next to her at Drew's nod. "The person who did the work on the torpedo tube?"

"The person who will do the work on the torpedo tube." Soleta corrected. "From her perspective, it is quite likely that she has yet to perform such duties." At his confused look, she looked faintly amused. Well, for a Vulcan. "Temporal paradoxes are nothing if not a challenge to one's tenses."

"More like they give you a serious headache." Drew corrected, grinning. "Trust me, Trip, I've been going around on this one and the only thing it got me was a visit to Sickbay for an analgesic." He saw the frown on the other man's face and leaned in. "Somethin' wrong?"

"You all keep calling me Trip." The other Tucker responded calmly. "On the NX-01...they all called me Sim. That's what Phlox called me...he was pretty much like a father to me."

"Which would you prefer?" Soleta inquired solicitously, watching him with an alert gaze. "It is your choice."

"I kinda like bein' called Trip. I mean...I still remember everything he did. Hell, I think I felt everything he did." He blushed slightly, a fact that did not go unnoticed by either of the officers watching him. "But...I dunno."

"We don't know either." Drew put in with a thoughtful expression. "You're a Tucker as far as that goes, trust me, I know my family...they're gonna be pleased as punch about this but...What you wanna be called by for a given name is a whole 'nother issue. One you're gonna have to figure out for yourself."

"Perhaps discussing it with the Captain would also be a venue for you to explore." Soleta suggested. "He has had to go through this situation himself with a transporter incident and thus, might have an opinion on the matter."

"Transporter incident?" Trip repeated curiously, imagining Malcolm's reaction to that phrase. The guy'd never really gotten used to the idea of the transporter. At least, not up until the point he could remember. "What kind of transporter incident exactly?"

"It occurred many years ago at Nervala IV." Soleta began cautiously. "The Captain was then a Lieutenant and serving aboard the USS Potemkin. He was attempting to beam up but a distortion field prevented this. Two transporter beams were used in conjunction to retrieve his pattern. Unbeknownst to the ship or the Captain himself, while he was beamed aboard...during transport, his pattern had been duplicated. One was transported aboard...the other left behind. Eight years later, the Enterprise returned to Nervala IV where the clone was discovered and rescued. If I recall correctly --"

"And she does." Drew interjected. "Damned annoying habit of hers."

Soleta directed a tolerant look his way while continuing,"-- the Lieutenant took the name Thomas. Thomas is the Captain's middle name." She paused then surveyed Trip. "You were created after the original Commander Charles Tucker the Third thus, logically, you cannot be considered the third man to bear the name. However, you are Charles Tucker. If you wish to use the nickname of Trip, if you are comfortable with it, and the family has no objection...It would be illogical to concern yourself with the issue. I can assure you, Trip, there will be far more pressing concerns in a very swift period of time that will require your attention."

"See?" Before Trip could speak, his relative was speaking, "I warned you, Trip. Never try to argue with her when she thinks she's right. She'll logic you right out of your boots and you end up on the floor, head spinning, wondering what the hell just happened." Drew laughed and spun in his chair, looking at the replicator. "Coffee. Hot." He glanced back. "Want some?"

"Yeah sure." Trip nodded, eyeing the replicator with interest. "Not the same technology we used on the NX-01 is it?"

"It is not." Soleta answered then put in. "A mug of Saya would be agreeable, Drew."

"One mug of Saya coming up." The engineer announced cheerfully, putting his own coffee aside and ordering up the drinks. "The basic circuitry and everything's changed. About the only things you'd recognize these days are basic ship and engine design. We've been tinkering and improving those but they've largely remained the same when it comes to basic structure. From what I hear, you should have no trouble catching up though." He grinned. "That whole fast growing thing might've stopped but the Doc thinks you'll absorb information at the same rate. Which you're gonna need. Two hundred years of politics, science and general mischief to catch up on. We've had a few wars, some major peace treaties...but you won't be getting any of that from me. I'd put you into a coma and the Doc'd have my guts for garters."

"Counselor Troi and I will be undertaking those particular duties." The Vulcan sitting beside Trip answered the question before he could. "However, we will be leaving the Engineering to Commander Tucker. He would be most disappointed if we were to take that particular honor from him."

"Meaning he'd never stop complaining about it?"

"Precisely." Soleta agreed simply.

"Better let him do it then." Trip commented, inhaling the scent of the coffee appreciatively. "Y'know, it's been two hundred years since I had a cup of good coffee?"

"I would suggest you not ingest that then," she returned without hesitation, "replicated coffee is not..." she stopped briefly as Trip swallowed and made a face, "quite as good as the genuine article. Some foods the replicator has no difficulties with. However, there are some which do require one's taste buds to make adjustments and allowances."

"Otherwise I'll go hungry?"

"Or you will spend a great deal of time in the crew mess. Many people do, indeed, enjoy replicated food. Some rarely eat anything but." Soleta lifted her mug to her lips, swallowing a mouthful of the Vulcan drink. "It is a common occurrence. Many people do not find much use in old-style food preparation. Particularly on Earth. Terrans seem to embrace the technological changes with a vigor which vastly surpasses other species."

"She's not wrong there." Drew grinned. "No matter how many races have joined the Federation, humans still seem to surpass most other races when it comes to joining Starfleet. Might be a varied group of races now but..."

"They have not given up their claim to it." Soleta assured.

"Y'know, that's the thing that absolutely blows me away." Trip grinned. "Jon actually pulled it off. That Federation he was talking about...he pulled it off." He was still chuckling over it when he realized that both Soleta and Drew were staring at him in undisguised shock. "What? Why're you looking at me like that?"

"Trip," The Vulcan woman began slowly, carefully, "are you saying that Captain Archer knew about the Federation? Knew that it would exist?"

Beginning to understand something wasn't quite right, Trip nodded once, keeping his eyes on them. "Yeah, he got visits from this supposed time traveler by the name of Daniels. Daniels told 'em about some kinda temporal cold war that was goin' on. People trying to change the past. Keep the Federation from existing."

His words hit them both with all the impact of a quantum torpedo. Thunderstruck, Drew and Soleta stared at each other wordlessly, both trying to comprehend the magnitude of what he'd just revealed to them. The Starfleet captain involved in the very formation of the United Federation Of Planets had known ahead of time what lay ahead...worse yet, someone in the future was the one feeding him the information in an attempt to stop some sort of conflict.

"You guys didn't know about this?" Trip ventured, looking from one to the other.

"We did not." Soleta managed after a momentary delay, still thunderstruck.

"This is the first we've heard of it." Drew agreed. "Trust me, Starfleet knew about a temporal cold war? We'd've been briefed." He paused then added, "Well, some of us would've been and the way it works around here? We'd all know. At least, the senior staff would. Captain doesn't believe in keeping secrets from us unless he's been ordered to by Starfleet..."

"And in those cases," his fellow officer put in with an expression that could have been fondness, "the Captain is somewhat transparent in his dislike of those orders. For someone who delights in playing poker, his bluffing skills pick timely moments to desert him. If that is, one has discovered how to read his 'tells'."

Trip snickered just a little, picking up on the undertone of the conversation. The camaraderie. He remembered being able to talk about, and to, Jon like that. Or, the other Trip had...it was all so jumbled up in his head and he didn't quite know what he was supposed to do with it. Or with what happened with T'Pol. Or didn't happen. Or did it even matter? They'd all been dead for at least a hundred years.

The realization hit him hard, like a sucker punch to the gut, and he stared off into space as he was caught in the midst of it all. Dead. They were all dead. All of them. He was the only one left. They'd become a part of history, caricatures...nothing more. Figures at a crucial moment in the quadrant's history and that was that. They were all gone.

The people sitting with him didn't miss the look of sudden grief that passed over his face and neither one was particularly surprised to see it. They shared a look and Soleta passed her mug back to Drew. "Perhaps, Commander," she commented quietly to her friend, "you should inform the Captain of this particular development while Commander Tucker and I look at the research I've been doing."

"I think," Drew agreed as Trip looked up at them in surprise, "it would be a very good idea. He'll wanna talk to you but I'll tell him you need some time."

"Indeed." Soleta rose from her chair and looked down at the man who'd been sitting beside her. "Please come with me, Commander."

"Where're we going?" He asked, standing with her as Drew ducked out around them.

"To find out what happened to your friends."

TBC