If you are seeing this paragraph, the site is not displaying correctly. You can see the content, but your current browser does not support CSS which is necessary to view our site properly. For the best visual experience, you will need to upgrade your browser to Netscape 6.0 or higher, MSIE 5.5 or higher, or Opera 3.6 or higher. If, however, you don't wish to upgrade your browser, scroll down and read the content - everything is still visible, it just doesn't look as pretty.
Enemy of the State - Ch 9Enemy of the State By Quills Contact: the_quill_pen@yahoo.com ********************** Chapter 9
“The Science Directorate also says time travel is impossible,” quipped Soma with a smile. “And yet, here I am.” T’Pol arched her brow and gave Soma the closest thing to a ‘roll your eyes’ expression as any Vulcan could make. “Assuming these Preservers do exist,” said Archer trying to prevent a Vulcan debate from starting. “How are they the solution to our problem?” “The Preservers are believed to have been an extremely ancient race,” explained Soma, “which date back hundreds if not thousands of millennia. They are believed to be one of the galaxies earliest races among whose efforts was the possible seeding of many of the galaxies presently sentient life bearing worlds.” T’Pol gave Soma a questioning look. “Are you suggesting that it is believed that the Preservers are responsible for the dominant species inhabiting many of the planets in our galaxy?” Archer blew out an air of frustration. He could see that Soma could be just as difficult to deal with as T’Pol when it came to sidestepping the minutia and getting to the point of the matter. “Could we save the debate for later,” said Archer looking at both Vulcans. “I need to know exactly how these Preservers are going to help us.” Soma and T’Pol looked at one another. They both could tell Archer was in no mood for them to debate matters in regard to Preserver existence or galactic influence. Soma cleared his throat and turned his attention back to Archer. “First Captain, the Preservers do not exist anymore,” explained Soma. “Rather the technological artifacts they left behind exist.” T’Pol folded her arms across her chest as she gave a nondescript arched brow at the comments. “Go on,” prompted Archer not wanting to get lost in another debate. “Among the Preserver artifacts that have been discovered on various planets,” continued Soma. “Were galactic interspatial corridors.” Soma glanced around the table, noticing several confused looks. “Sort of…interstellar transporters. Evidently they enabled the Preservers to travel from one point in the galaxy to any other point in the galaxy.” “And you know where one of these ‘interstellar transporters are?” asked Reed “I know where one may exist,” replied Soma. “Assuming it hasn’t been discovered in this time-line.” “Careful Captain,” interrupted Tucker. “You don’t want to go violating any regulations.” “That’s enough, Trip!” barked Archer. He understood his friend’s anger, but it was getting in the way of their discussion and he wouldn’t stand for anymore from the engineer. Tucker looked at Archer. He could see an angry, impatient look on the man’s face. He had crossed a line. One he sensed had been drawn after his actions involving the Vissian cogenitor. Tucker averted his eyes from Archer as he looked down at the conference table. Archer held his gaze on Tucker a few moments longer. The senior staff remained quiet as they waited for Archer to continue the meeting. Looking over at Soma, Archer addressed the Vulcan captain. “You said you know where one can be found?” Soma looked at Tucker one last time as he let out a breath. “Approximately four days from here at maximum warp,” replied Soma. “It’s on a planet in a star system within the expanse. You and the Enterprise will find it at a later date. According to your Star Logs the technology you found was damaged but you were able to repair it…briefly.” “And this technology will enable us to travel to Vulcan,” said Archer questioningly, “allowing us to search the Vulcan historical archives and learn just where the time-line has been tampered with.” “That sounds about right, sir,” replied Soma. Archer remained motionless for several moments. All eyes were focused on the captain, waiting for a decision. Shaking his head slowly, he pushed his chair away from the table and stood up. “Captain Soma, you will supply Ensign Mayweather with the necessary coordinates,” said Archer. “Use the sensor logs we’ve accumulated if you need them.” “Aye, Captain,” said Soma. “Ensign,” said Archer turning to Mayweather. “As soon as you have the coordinates, proceed at maximum warp.” “Understood, sir,” said Mayweather nodding. “Trip, we’re going to need you to keep the engines running at maximum.” “Don’t worry Cap’n,” replied Tucker. “I’ll have those engines runnin’ like a Swiss watch.” “I know you will,” smiled Archer. Looking around the table he addressed the rest of the senior staff. “Then that’s it. Unless anyone else has something to add, this meeting is over.” As Archer began to turn, he heard T’Pol’s voice and immediately turned back to the table. “Captain, what if the technology is already in someone else’s hands?” Archer glanced at Soma, who was shaking his head in agreement, then returned to T’Pol. “We’ll deal with that when we get to the planet.”
Have a comment to make about this story? Do so in the Trip Fan Fiction forum at the HoTBBS! One person has made commentsOh, this is so good. I could easily imagine this scene unfolding in my mind. Loved all the little touches too. Can't wait for the next part, you are doing such a wonderful job with this story. Thank you so much, Ali D :~) |