Hello Everyone, I am writing a two or possibly three chapter prequel to E2 encounter. I will interweave this throughout the plot. Please enjoy.
Chapter 2: One Night in San Francisco: Part 1
Sara Archer starred emotionlessly at the professor that stood before her. Her supplementary xenophysiology class had added nothing but turmoil to her life. She had recently graduated from UCLA medical school. Sara had started her two-year residency at Star Fleet in hopes to become a general practitioner. Unfortunately for her, Star Fleet was quite keen at the moment on expanding upon xenoethnic diversity within their ranks. Now Sara was not only required to have an intricate understanding of the workings of the human system, but also a basic comprehension of other various hominid life forms.
Sara crossed her arms over her chest. She watched as the Vulcan before her flipped through Power Point slides. Sara took a deep breath, and reminded herself how agreeable she would feel when this was over. She prayed daily the elderly Vulcan man teacher before her would fall over and die. Unfortunately, as Sara later discovered, Vulcans could live up to two hundred and fifty years of age, so she had a feeling that would not be happening any time soon. Against her better judgment, Sara began to flip through her personal communications on her pad. She raised an eyebrow; her cousin Jonathan wanted to see her.
Sara entered her deep thoughts. She had not seen her cousin Jonathan as frequently ever since he accepted a commission with Enterprise. Now that he was back from the Delphic Expanse, he wanted some time to catch up. Sara had to admit something to herself: she was surprised. Her cousin Jonathan had pretty much retreated the moment he hit Terran soil. Erika Hernandez had pretty much confirmed her suspicions when she called a few days ago. Jonathan had spoke out of term against the Star Fleet high council (mainly Soval), been dismissed by Admiral Forrest, and then bolted for the mountains.
Sara would have gone herself so that she could comfort Jonathan. However, her professor Doctor Oratt had decided to be revolting last week and conducted a thorough exam on Vulcan anatomy. She was still planning the doctor's demise. Sara had subtly asked Erika to accompany him. Jonathan was clearly not in his right state of mind, and needed emotional support.
Sara let out a quiet sign. John was returning to San Francisco for the weekend. Apparently Admiral Forrest was throwing a Good to be Home party. Jonathan wanted her to attend with him. Sara briefly looked around. Her fellow colleagues were exhausted. They were pulling twelve to sixteen hour shifts, and then they were attending Vulcan anatomy night lectures. Sara looked back to her pad. She absolutely hated parties. If everything was up to her, Sara would spend her time curled up in bed reading. Unfortunately for her, most elements of her life were pretty much beyond her.
Sara would attend this social event, only for Jonathan of course. She quickly responded to her cousin for she did not want to be caught by her instructor. She found his attitude to be board line revolting. Her best friend and roommate, Emily Harrison, was his teaching assistant. She claimed he could be agreeable at times, even gentle. Sara was pretty sure Emily had witnessed a side of that man no human ever had.
When Doctor Oratt had finally finished his epic lecture, Sara walked directly to the front of the class. Emily was grading papers. "Hey." She spoke to the girl. Emily briefly looked up: "Hey." Sara smiled: "Do you want to go to a party this weekend?" Emily starred at her like she had grown a second head: "Uh, sure."
Sara shifted her body: "It is for Jonathan." Emily nodded her head in comprehension. "That makes sense." Emily got up. She then moved over to Doctor Oratt's desk and began to organize his things.
"You ready to go?" Sara asked her. "We need to leave in five minutes if we want to catch the transport in time." Emily nodded her head. She straightened the Doctor's spare pads; apparently he had placed them in a discombobulated manner during his presentation. Sara smiled to herself. Being the best friend of a teaching assistant had immense benefits. For years, rumors had circulated around Star Fleet Command that Vulcans were completely meticulous and well organized. The rumors could not have been more wrong. Both Doctor Strom and Oratt had assistants to arrange their personal belongings in the lab and in class.
"You know, if I didn't know any better, I would assume you liked being his mother." Sara attempted to tease Emily. Emily rolled her eyes: "I am just doing my job." Sara laughed out loud. "I am just teasing, but seriously, if you plan on doing anything, I would aim for Doctor Strom. He is way better looking." Emily glared at her: "You said something about a party for Jonathan?" Sara nodded her head: "Maxwell Forrest is throwing a 'welcome back' party. The whole Archer family is pretty much invited." Emily nodded her head. "Sounds reasonable enough. Admiral Forrest typically is pretty monotone." Emily murmured to herself. "Sure, I mean, what could go wrong?" She said aloud.
Sara nodded her head. "As long as the Vulcan High Council doesn't show up, we should be fine." Emily gave her an odd look. Sara shook her head: "I will tell you later."
…
Sara and her friend stepped out of the flitter cab. Admiral Forrest owned an estate in the suburbs of San Fransico. Unlike the urban terrain they had recently traveled from, Admiral Forrest's spare home was located in a woodland like area. As she walked toward the home, Sara noticed a group of Vulcans standing outside of the house. She immediately recognized the one Vulcan man.
Sara eyed him more closely. She had not been in the presence of Ambassador Soval for some years. He had clearly not aged a day since she last saw him. As a child, Sara had grown up coming in and out of Star Fleet High Command. Her Uncle had brought Jonathan to the head quarters as a child. Even after he died, her cousin Jonathan had taken care of her and brought her there with him.
Sara briefly replayed her adolescent memories and concealed a slight smile. She had attempted to spy on the ambassador as a young girl. Yes, he was a disgruntled old sap. However, she had always found him highly appealing. Well, more like highly attractive. This was something she would never admit of course. He was her deceased uncle's arch nemesis. She carried her last name Archer with immense pride. Admitting to any form of attraction to anyone toward him would be on par with shaming her family heritage.
Sara neared closer to him while Emily was following behind. She wondered briefly if she should greet him or ignore him. She took a deep breath and sighed. Sara couldn't forget their past. When she was a little girl, she had attempted to annoy him with her illogical human customs - something he despised. They often tried to ignore each other for she was not particularly fond of him in her youth, and him likewise. However, as Sara progressed into adolescence, she began to notice him more, and acted in a more acceptable manner toward him. Soval became her childhood crush; something she was not particularly proud of.
Emily and Sara neared the group. The three Vulcan men were conversing in their native vernacular outside the home. Sara knew Jonathan was not going to pleased when he arrived. He would most likely be furious.
The moment her eyes met Soval's he stopped speaking. She felt particularly embarrassed. The last time they had spoke had been particularly unsettling. Soval did not greet her; however, his eyes followed her body. Sara cursed lightly. She had been hoping after all these years he would forget what had happened. Unfortunately for her, Vulcans had exceptional memories, so he would clearly not be forgetting any time soon.
When Sara was seventeen years of age, she began to become more forward with him. She was always very discreet with her advances. Sara often utilized complex puns and suggestive comments from Shakespeare to express her desires. Most of Sara's human brethren were not as educated as she was. She could state something witty, and frankly insulting, without a majority of her peers grasping the concept until minutes later or just simply not at all. Soval was apparently different. She did not discover this until after her adolescent mistake. Jonathan's colleagues had never caught on. Soval, however, had apparently always comprehended her discreet sexual advances.
It was something they had mutually agreed never to discuss again. It had been mistake. Till this day, Sara was still not completely clear what had occurred. She was afraid to mention what had happened to anyone in fear of what would happen to Soval. Sara had technically been underage at the time, and she was pretty sure he was not in his right state of mind. She also knew Jonathan would not have hesitated to have killed Soval had he found out.
It had been an accident really. Jonathan had taken her with him to a formal function at Star Fleet Command. It was an event celebrating first contact. Every Vulcan or Human of importance was there. Sara had attempted to excuse herself temporarily from the party. Such events always filled her with boredom. She accidently tripped down the stairway on the way out. For some odd reason unbeknown to her, Soval had attempted to excuse himself as well.
When Soval saw her at the bottom of the stairs, he had raced toward her. After she sat up, he had grabbed her head with both his hands and attempted to evaluate her mental state. They had been so close at the time that Sara accidently leaned in and kissed him. It had been purely reflexive, and somewhat instinctual. After years of attempting attract his attention, she had finally managed to get it. Sara had expected him to pull away seconds later. But too her surprise, he reciprocated her affection.
He had kissed her passionately. For several minutes they were lost purely in each other. He kissed her lips, her face, and her neck. By the time Sara pulled back, she was completely flushed. She immediately noticed Soval's erratic behavior afterwards. He was flushed completely green. His eyes were dark black rather than his typical hazel brown. Soval gripped her arms firmly. She glanced down and could easily see that he was shaking.
He immediately released her arms. "This was a mistake." He murmured into her ear. He attempted to stand. Sara grasped his arms: "Where are you going?" He pulled back. "Do not touch me!" He ordered rather harshly. Sara shrieked back in fear. She had never seen him so open. He attempted to conceal his emotions. "I apologize profusely." He then looked up the stairwell to make sure no one listening. "Please tell no one of this." He begged her. Sara nodded her head.
Sara was brought back to reality. That accident had been nearly seven years ago. She knocked on the door to the home. Admiral Forrest opened the door. "Sara," he smiled as he leaned in for a hug. "How are you doing?" Sara smiled back at him. The admiral had always been like an adopted uncle to her. "I am doing well." She then motioned to her friend: "This is my friend, Emily." Admiral Forrest greeted the other girl and welcomed them into his home.
Sara looked around: "Wow, this place looks nice." The admiral had definitely redone the inside. "Thanks. I put a lot of time and effort into it." Admiral Forrest opened a bottle of wine and pulled out three glasses of wine. "Have you seen the ambassador? He was in here a few moments ago." He handed her the glass a wine. "Yes, I saw him outside with some of his colleagues. I think Doctor Strom was out there too. Why? Did someone offend him again? I swear I was on my best behavior when I came in." She exclaimed jokingly.
Admiral Forrest rolled his eyes. "Your starting to sound like your cousin." Sara laughed out loud, and she hit him on the shoulder: "Don't say that. I like to think I am more forward thinking." A voice spoke from behind her: "That is a matter for debate." Sara glanced behind her. Soval was standing with his arms crossed. "Ambassador …" Sara had absolutely no clue what to say. She had left for university shortly after the accident, and had not spoken to him directly in seven years.
"You look..." She said absentmindedly. The closer Sara inspected him, the more she realized how awful looked. Soval looked immensely tired, almost a tad sickly. She couldn't bring herself to finish her statement. "Ambassador," Maxwell motioned to her, "Do you remember Sara? This is Henry Archer's niece. You known, Jonathan's cousin." Soval starred blankly at her. "Yes." He stated rather bluntly. Sara just gave him a smile. This man had no bedside manner.
" And this is … Emily." Maxwell attempted to greet his new visitor. Emily nodded her: "My name is Emily Harrison. Nice to meet you Ambassador." She replied cordially. Soval bowed his head in respect. Maxwell looked back over to Sara: "So I heard you just finished medical school? Congratulations." Sara smiled at the admiral: "Thank you, Sir. I am very glad to be finished. However, I think I have just traded one immense workload for another." She laughed to herself.
Soval raised an eyebrow. "What field of medicine are you planning to specialize in?" Sara looked over to him; that was the most civilized thing he had asked her in years. "I am currently in my residency. I am planning to be a general practitioner." Soval shifted his head: " I would hardly define the position of 'general practitioner' a specialty. Nevertheless, your have chosen a very honorable profession; especially one that few have the intellectual aptitude to obtain, and stamina to keep up with the constant demands and rigors of the service. I am sure had your uncle been here, he would have been quite proud."
Sara observed him for a moment. She could see he was trying to be civil, well … as civil as Soval could be. However, something was not right about him. Sara looked into his deep dark hazel brown eyes. She had not looked so long into them since their last kiss. Sara immediately remembered why she was attracted to him. He had the most beautiful eyes.
Emily touched her shoulder: "Hey Sara, I think you cousin Jonathan is here." Sara looked behind her through the window. A flitter had pulled in the gravel drive way. Jonathan stepped outside the vehicle. Sara smiled to herself. "Excuse me gentlemen, but my services are required else where." She exclaimed incredibly fancily. Soval continued to raise an eyebrow, and Admiral Forrest just laughed. Sara walked out of the kitchen, through the living room, and to the door.
She opened the door when Jonathan approached. "Jonathan." She smiled at him. "Sara," He gave her a hug. "How are you doing? What have you been up to?" She asked kindly. "I'm good. I just got back from a climbing trip a few hours ago. I will have to show you the pictures when I have some time." Captain Archer closed the door. Sara then leaned into his ear: "Just for an F.Y.I, Ambassador Pointy is in the kitchen."
Jonathan let out a chuckle. "Thanks for letting me know." Sara hit him on the shoulder: "Anything for you couz." The two adults walked into the kitchen. Some of Soval's Vulcan staff and the Star Fleet Admirals sat in the living room now. Admiral Gardner stood up: "I had feeling I saw you two come in. How you both doing Archers?" He said with some humor. "Well Admiral." Jonathan shook his hand. "Hello Mrs. Archer." A voice came from the side. Sara turned around and saw it was Doctor Strom. "Hello Doctor." The man folded his hands before him: "I trust you are progressing in your Vulcan anatomy studies well?" Sara nodded her head: "Yes, Sir."
Sara turned around momentarily and saw Emily gazing awkwardly at her from the kitchen. She was betting the ambassador and the admiral were debating something unfit for her friend's interest: "Will you excuse me for a moment?" The three men nodded at her. Sara retreated to the kitchen. "Hey Emily can I talk to you for a moment?" She spoke aloud. Emily nodded her head and moved to her friend. She whispered in her best friends ear: "Your man is out there!" She motioned to Doctor Strom. Emily rolled her eyes with a smile. "You better go get him." Sara motioned to the man.
Sara reentered the kitchen. She noticed Admiral Forrest and Ambassador Soval were in the closet. "What's going on?" Admiral Forrest moved out first. "I am apparently forgot to bring in the wood chips for the grill. I left them in the pool house outback." Sara crossed her arms; no doubt Soval was disgusted by the fact they were consuming meat. "I guess I will have to got out and get them." He murmured to himself. "If you want, I can help. I mean I would hate to take you away from your guests for something as trivial as barbeque." Sara spoke to him.
Admiral Forrest shrugged his shoulders. "If it doesn't bother you. It is a bit of a walk though, about a quarter of a mile uphill. If you walk on that path, you will find it." The admiral then turned to Soval: "Ambassador, would you mind helping her?" Sara immediately closed her eyes. She had offered to help as an excuse to leave. Now she was being forced to take along her past … she absolutely no idea how to define him.
The ambassador nodded his head: "I see no problems, Admiral." He spoke aloud. The couple walked out the back door of the house. It was roughly six p.m. The sun was still up, however, there were small signs of night approaching. The two were quiet for the first half of the trip. Sara felt particularly nervous; she desperately hoped he had forgotten what had happened.
"Are you currently in a suitable state?" Soval's comment brought Sara back to reality. "I beg your pardon?" Sara exclaimed. She looked confused. "Your breathing patterns have changed since we exited the house. Does this change in scenery bother you?" Soval said as he looked to the trees above him. Sara looked up there to, just to see what he was looking at. There was absolutely nothing but branches.
"No," Sara murmured, "I am fine. The scenery is … beautiful." Sara knew there was a problem, and the scenery was definitely not causing it. Soval raised an eyebrow: "You hesitated." Soval exclaimed to her. "Did I?" She replied as she attempted bring back her annoying childhood repetitiveness. " I just confirmed the issue prior. Why would you answer my statement with a question already addressed in the previous statement? Is your hearing poor, or are you simply avoiding my question?"
Sara hid a smile: "I don't know ambassador. You're a smart man. Why don't you figure it out?" Soval raised an eyebrow at her response: "Clearly your hearing is not inept. You just gave a response to my previous inquiry. So I must deduce you are avoiding my question. Now I must I ask why?" Sara gazed back at him as they kept walking. She didn't remember him being this pushy. For some odd reason, he seemed almost annoyed.
Sara looked him the eye: "Let me ask you this. Are you ok, Ambassador? I know I haven't seen you in years, but you seem more … emotionally responsive than I remember." Her statement was half filled with concern, and also half with insult. Soval flared his nose. "I am fine." He gave up, not even bothering to press forward. Sara had to admit to herself, she was kind of disappointed.
Sara's voice was softer now: "How have you been Ambassador?" Soval was quiet for a moment. " Work has been … tedious as of late. There have been immense interactions between Star Fleet and the High Command. I am afraid I cannot deluge information. That would go against confidentiality." Sara nodded her head: "You don't have to bother. I heard from an anonymous source you and Jonathan got into an intense battle of the wits the other day."
Soval raised an eyebrow: "May I inquire whom?" Soval narrowed his eyes. Sara shook her head: "Don't worry. I haven't been told any super secret state secrets. I was only informed this little detail by someone who is truly concerned for John's mental state." Soval's gaze softened at that.
" I would hardly regard any conversation with your cousin as … full of wit." Sara let out a chuckle: " Hey, we Archers are full of wit. I mean look me. I mean, I am pretty witty." The moment that left her mouth she felt rather stupid. Soval smirked: "Hardly."
"I will confess your cousin did become emotionally responsive during our discussion. I believe he has undergone serious mental trauma, and needs time to recuperate." Soval stated to her. Sara nodded her head: "I know. That's what …" She stopped herself, not wanting to give away her anonymous source. "I've missed him. I am glad he is home." They continued to walk down the path: "I understand it is human custom to exert verbal expression of missing those whom you cherish." Sara turned to Soval: "And Vulcans don't?"
"We do. However, we are less spoken about it." Sara just laughed. He was such a cynic. " So what you are saying is that you have never expressed verbal concern for anyone you have missed?" She was teasing him. Soval didn't respond at first. "No one. Not even you wife?" Soval glanced to her: "I don't have a wife." Sara looked up at him: "Really? Hum. You know, for some odd reason, I always thought you and your secretary were together when I was a little girl."
Soval cocked an eyebrow in amusement: "Then your thinking was incorrect." Soval leaned forward now. He seemed almost … nervous. Well, as that seemed like an odd deduction; especially him being Vulcan: "Do you have a mate?" His voice was low. Sara looked at him. "No." She shook her head. He leaned back and nodded his head.
The rest of the walk was of completely silent. They soon arrived at the pool house. The small building overlooked a small lake. Sara opened the door. The items in the pool house were meticulously organized. There was a group of tables and a small couch. "Ok," she murmured, "Where are those wood chips?" Soval scanned the area, and then he looked at the ceiling. "They would appear to be located in that overhead compartment." Sara looked to the ceiling as well. There was a large shelf a few feet above her. A large bag of woodchips was located on it.
Sara scanned around and found a stepping stool. She moved the device and opened it. When Sara attempted to climb the stool to grab the chips, Soval stopped her: "Is it truly wise for you to carry those down?" Sara shook her head: "It's cool." Soval raised an eyebrow at her expression: "I fail to see what the temperature of those chips have anything to do with safety in regards to this stool." Sara rolled her eyes. She grabbed the bag and attempted to move down. Unfortunately, she tripped on the way. Thanks to Soval's reflexes, he managed to catch her in time.
Sara immediately dropped the bag, and leaned back into him. She turned around to steady herself, and clutched onto his robes. "Thank you." Sara spoke to him. "Your thanks are unnecessary." Sara could see a slight green forming around his ears and cheeks.
She moved in and kissed him on the cheek. She lingered there momentarily. When Sara pulled back, he was even greener. He looked even … hot. She clutched his robes further. Sara decided to try an experiment: she moved in to kiss him. His lips were hot, almost unbearably hot. He tasted like some form of exotic spice. Soval just stood there, almost rigid for a few seconds, and then heartily responded.
This was the second time something like this had happened. She hoped nothing would ruin it. Sara kissed him deeper. She then moved away from his lips, and kissed the tips of his ear. Soval involuntarily released a groan, and pulled her closer. She attempted not to laugh.
All of the sudden he pushed her to the wall, and sometime later they moved to the small couch. Things began to become more passionate. Sara clung to his robes. She immediately began to undue the top of his shirt. Soval's eyes were pitch black now, and he was completely shaking. For a moment, however, he appeared to revert back to his normal, logical self. "I think we should return back to the house." He seemed rather unsure of his own statement.
Sara shook her head: "No were not." She then placed another kiss on his lips. She ran her hands over his bear chest. He hissed sharply. Soval then leaned down and inhaled her intoxicating scent. This caused Sara's stomach to twist and turn. "You just need to stop being so darn logical." She began to unbutton her dress, and then grasped his hand. Heat began to move through their bodies. This was considered to be a seductive motion by Vulcans. Soval raised an eyebrow at her forwardness. "Now come here."
…
Soval and Sara approached the house. Sara had attempted to straighten her slightly wrinkled clothes. She couldn't completely conceal the slight smile on her lips for she could not believe what had just happened. She was practically glowing.
Soval looked ambivalent. He held his certain emotionless demeanor, and yet she could sense a certain amount of inner upheaval. What they had just shared was absolutely beautiful, but Sara immediately began to worry. She grabbed his hand ever so slightly: "Are you ok?" Soval pulled back his hand: "I am fine." Sara narrowed her eyes. She could see he was still involuntarily shaking. Soval looked back at the house, and then back Sara: "I don't believe …" He was immediately cut off: "That I should tell anyone about this!" Sara hissed at him.
Soval shook his head: "I was not going to make such a comment. However, now that we are on that discussion, your silence on such a matter is required." This was the second time in seven years he had done this to her. He had a somewhat asinine tone to his voice. "Fuck off, Soval." She was so mad. Sara could not believe she had let him use her. She attempted to storm away. "I believe we just did that." He murmured aloud. That was the wrong thing to say. Sara turned around and narrowed her eyes. She then moved to slap him clear across the face. "You are a jerk. Go to …" She wanted to slap him again. However, a voice stopped her.
"Guys," Admiral Forrest approached the group. "What is going on?" Sara Archer's eyes widened in fear: "Admiral, how long have you been standing there?" Admiral Forrest took another step toward the couple: "Long enough to see you get physical with the ambassador. You know assaulting any Vulcan personnel is not only a crime on Vulcan, but also on Earth. You could be doing hard time for that Doctor."
Sara look legitimately frightened. Then she realized he was only half serious and was messing with her. "Now back to the point, what is this all about?" Maxwell leaned in. "Nothing worth noting merit. It would appear that Doctor Archer and I had a minor … misunderstanding." Soval exclaimed calmly. He avoided looking the admiral in the eyes. Maxwell looked to Sara, and she awkwardly nodded. Admiral Forrest looked suspicious.
He then placed his hands up in the air: "Fine. So be it. As long as you to can work out you scuffles peacefully, who am I to intervene. Just promise me I won't have to bail one of you out of prison for physical assault. That won't look good for Star Fleet or the High Command." He exclaimed with some amusement.
Soval nodded his head: "Your concern is noted, Admiral." The admiral shook his head: "Well, this is about more than …" He stopped speaking for a moment. Sara glanced at Admiral Forrest. He appeared to be looking over Soval's shoulder. For some odd reason, he now looked incredibly amused. "Anyway…ya, now you know."
The admiral moved over to his grill. Sara and Soval approached the patio steps. Then she saw it. Soval had dark red lipstick on his green collar. Embarrassment immediately flooded her system. This had been what Admiral Forrest had been gawking at. They had left evidence.
Sara closed her eyes; she had no idea how she was going to live with this; especially if Jonathan found out. They were on the patio when Admiral Forrest called again: "Hey Guys?" Sara and Soval turned around: "Yes." They exclaimed unitarily. "Where are the wood chips?" The Admiral questioned. The couple looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Sara could have sworn Soval turned completely green. She felt like such a moron. They had gotten so caught up in the moment they had forgotten to bring back the woodchips.
For a moment, neither one of them could think. Sara tried to come up with a contrived excuse. She was doctor, and he was skilled negotiator/diplomat. If anyone had the intellectual aptitude to come up with something, it was he or she. "That's confidential." Sara exclaimed aloud. Admiral Forrest raised an eyebrow: "Confidential? Says who?" Sara gave a light smile: "Says me. Doctor's orders!