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Gateway- Part 6

Author - Quills
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Gateway

By Quills

Contact:the_quill_pen@yahoo.com
Rating: PG-13, angst, drama, romance, humor, action/adventure
Disclaimer in Part One

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 to
investigate the 'Temporal Cold War'.

PART SIX (Chapters 16-18)

Chapter 16

****************

The landing party cleared the hatchway of the captured fighter. Standing on the access way they were scanned by the officer in the control room. With him was Commander Tucker, temporarily in command.

"They check out sir." said the Ensign as he reviewed the bioscan

Trip motioned from the viewing window for the landing party to move to the decon chamber. Captain Soma and Ensign Mayweather helped the wounded Lieutenant Reed along as Ensign Sato hurried ahead to activate the door for them.

"Easy Malcolm." said the Captain as he and Mayweather set him down on a bench in the interim room.

"I'm alright, sir." replied the armory officer.

Soma turned to the communication window and pressed the buzzer. A few moments later the metal door slid open revealing the face of the ship's medical officer, Dr. Phlox.

Phlox smiled at Soma. "Welcome aboard Captain. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Thank you Doctor." replied the Captain. "I wish it were under more pleasant circumstances."

"Understandable, Captain." replied Phlox. "Are any of you injured?"

"I took a piece of shrapnel acroos my arm. It's numb, but it's stopped bleeding." explained Soma. "Mr. Reed has a deep laceration on his leg. We used a medical kit aboard the fighter we stole, but he's having difficulties walking on it."

"I see." said Phlox as he pulled out a scanner. "Yes, it is rather deep, but you did a good job of bandaging the wound. I'd like the Lieutenant to accompany you into the decontamination room. I'll treat him when he exits."

Phlox looked over at Reed. "Are you in any pain Lieutenant?"

"No, Doctor," replied Reed. "There was some pain medication in the medi-kit."

"Good." said the doctor.

"Doctor, I assume ship's communications is still out." said Soma.

"Yes Captain." Replied Phlox.

"Please notify the bridge I would like to be contacted as soon as communication is restored." said Soma. "I'd like Sub Commander T'Pol to give me a status report on ship's systems and damage."

"I'm afraid that won't be possible." said Phlox. "The Sub Commander was injured during the battle. I'm treating her now."

Concern flashed across Soma's face. "Is she all right, Doctor?"

"She suffered a serious concussion and a laceration to her scalp." explained Phlox. "However, her Vulcan physique minimized the overall damage. She needs to rest, but she will be fine."

"That's good news, Doctor" said Soma with a sigh.

"From what Commander Tucker relayed to me, it is the Sub Commander we have to thank for surviving the attack." said Phlox.

Soma shook his head "I don't doubt it Doctor." said Soma. "Is Commander Tucker also in sickbay?"

"No, Captain." answered Phlox. "I believe he is in engineering assessing the damage to the ship's engines."

"Please, let him know I would like to speak with him immediately." instructed Soma.

"I'll send someone with the message Captain." said Phlox as he closed the metal door to the communication window.

The four officers stripped off their uniforms, preparing to enter the decon room. Reed eased his coverall off carefully so as not to disturb his bandages. He handed his uniform to Mayweather who collected the other uniforms and inserted them into the decon slot. Once they were down to their standard Starfleet 'blues' they proceeded through the decon doors. Once inside, the room assumed its subdued lighting which signaled the decontamination had begun.

Mayweather helped Reed sit down as he took a seat next to him. Looking up at Captain Soma he asked, "Sir, have you ever gone through decon before?"

Soma turned towards the Ensign, "Yes, I've gone through my share."

"I imagine Starfleet technology has significantly improved by the twenty fourth century," said Reed.

"Yes it has." was all the Captain said with a smile.

Hoshi Sato sat down on another bench as she studied the Captain. He was very odd...physically...for a Vulcan. Most Vulcans...like T'Pol...were physically fit. She guessed it was just logical, but Captain Soma obviously indulged in a rigorous physical regimen. His muscles were extremely well developed and she could see the contours of his body through the Starfleet shirt and briefs that hugged against his supple tan form. As she looked up his back she noticed an odd marking on his right shoulder. Part of his shirt obscured it, but it looked like a tattoo! As she craned her neck to get a better look, the Captain turned his head towards her.

Smiling in her direction he said "Find something interesting Ensign?"

The startled Ensign almost jumped off her bench "No sir!" she replied quickly "I mean...yes sir. That is...I couldn't help noticing your back."

Reed and Mayweather gave each other a look and grinned.

"I mean, you have a tattoo." she said.

"That's right." he said still smiling at her.

"It...uh...it looks like Klingon script." said Hoshi.

"Right again, Ensign." replied Soma.

"What does it say?" asked Hoshi "If it's all right to ask?"

"You read Klingon, don't you?" he asked.

"A little bit, sir." she said "I've been trying to learn what I can."

"Then you read it and tell me what you think it says." he told her as he pulled of his shirt revealing his tanned muscular back.

Hoshi's jaw dropped open "Um, well...." she said as she tried to focus on the Klingon script that went down the Captain's right shoulder. "Let's see...um...Kne'lgin? No 'lgen...Kne'lgen"

"Very good," said Soma, " and the meaning?"

"Kne' is in the future tense non descript descriptor and means 'always,' " said Hoshi. "Lgen mean soldier or warrior. So it says...."Eternal Warrior"?"

Soma nodded at her, "Excellent translation...Hoshi."

The young Ensign seemed to blush.

"Eternal warrior, sir?" said Reed.

Soma turned his attention to Lt. Reed. "It was a parting gift from the crew of a Klingon warship I served aboard."

"YOU served on a Klingon ship?" exclaimed Travis.

"It was a Starfleet intelligence mission." explained Soma. "I was a LieutenantCommander then. I had been assigned to represent Starfleet in a mutual concern of the Klingon Empire and the Federation. I sort of got roped into the role of first officer during the voyage. The crew and I had a few disagreements over my taking the position, but we resolved them."

"What sort of disagreements?" asked Reed.

"Oooh, something along the lines of eviscerating me with a Mekleth." said Soma smiling.

Reed's eyes opened wide and he looked over at Mayweather. Just then, the decon intercom chimed. Soma walked over to it and hit the channel button. "Soma."

"Captain, this is Chief Engineer Tucker." replied the voice.

"Yes, Chief." said Soma. "Sorry, I can't speak to you face to face, but the good Doctor has us jumping through the decon hoops."

"No problem sir" said Tucker. "I got your message just as we restored ship's communications."

"What's the damage Mr. Tucker?" asked Soma.

"Not as bad as we first thought, sir." said Tucker. "My people can get most of the ship's systems back up to full power in a couple of days."

"I sense a but in there Chief." said the Captain.

"Yes, sir." he replied "T'Pol dumped the warp core and detonated it sir."

"I see." said Soma.

"It was the only thing she could do sir." said Tucker. "That alien ship had us cold and the Sub Commander...well…she did a hell of a job lurin’ them in to take the brunt of the warp core blast."

"No need to defend the Sub Commander's actions, Chief," said Soma. "I'd expect nothing less from the Enterprise's first officer."

"Yes, sir." replied the engineer.

"Any ideas about the warp core?" asked Soma.

"Well, sir" said Tucker "Mr. Wang is manning tactical. He gave me a report on the alien vessel.. It's still intact but badly damaged. Her warp drive was completely blown off in the warp core detonation, but her engine room appears to have survived...and so did her warp core."

"Is it compatible with Enterprise's systems?" asked Soma.

"I'm not sure, but I think I can rig it." said Tucker.

"The alternative of course is a five year trip home on impulse." said Soma.

"Yes, sir." said Tucker in agreement.

"Survivors on board the enemy vessel?" asked the Captain.

"Yes, sir." said Tucker. "Sensors show their all located in the forward compartment...all Andorians."

"Structural integrity?" said the Captain.

"She's holdin’ sir, but I don't know for how long." said Tucker.

The Captain considered his options for a moment. "Chief, I want you to have Lieutenant Wang bring Enterprise within transporter range."

"Transporters sir?" questioned Tucker "That's pretty tricky especially with ship's system the way they are."

"Understood, but Andorians are known for sabotage work. If they know your coming they might rig the ship to self destruct or offer armed resistance." said Soma "Have a security team standing by in the transporter room. When we're in range I want the survivors beamed off and escorted to the brig. Then you and your team can beam aboard and cannibalize whatever you think is worth salvaging. Understood?"

"Yes, sir." replied Tucker.

"Good man." said the Captain. "Then proceed Chief...with dispatch. We don't have much time. Soma out."

***************


Chapter 17


"Try to sit still Lieutenant." said Phlox as he used the surgical suture device on Reed's leg.

"I AM trying Doctor, but having you 'sew' up my leg is not exactly relaxing.' responded Reed sarcastically.

Phlox merely looked up and smiled. Reed was certain the Doctor received some perverse
pleasure out of 'tormenting' his patient, him in particular.

Captain Soma walked up to the two men as he finished zipping up his uniform. Ensign Cutler had tended to the wound he had recieved on his arm. It turned out to be nothing more than superficial and would be fine in a few days. "Doctor, Casualty report."

"No casualties Captain,." said Phlox as he continued to treat Reed's leg "A number of plasma burn injuries, broken bones. We were extremely lucky."

"Good to hear." replied Soma "Ensigns Mayweather and Sato will be joining me on the bridge. When will the Lietanent be fit for duty."

"Normally, I would recommend a few days rest." said Phlox raising his hand in anticipation of Reed's protest "But I realize you may need Mr. Reed's services. However, I do recommend light duty."

Phlox looked back at Reed, "That means stay off this leg as much as possible.”

"Thank you, Doctor." said Soma

"Don't thank me." said Phlox with a smile. " I'm merely trying to prevent the Leitanent from aquiring a more serious injury by staying in sickbay."

Reed looked at Phlox nervously and Soma smiled. "Just see that it's nothing fatal Doctor. I need him on the bridge."

"It all depends on how much Mr. Reed complains, Captain." smiled Phlox as he waved the surgical suture device like a stilleto.

Reed looked at Soma and then back at Phlox "I won't say a word."

Soma looked back at Phlox "What about Sub Commander T'Pol?"

"I assume, you would like HER on the bridge as well." sighed Phlox. It was more a statement than a question "She needs to rest for at least the next twelve hours. The medication I gave her will make her sleep while her Vulcan biochemistry begins it's remarkable cerbral healing factor. I can't make any guarantees, but assuming there are no 'complications' she may be able to return to duty within the next twenty four hours."

"Understood" said Soma "If there are any...'complications'...I want to be notified immediately."

"Of course Captain." replied the Doctor

As Soma turned to leave, Phlox called out "Captain, one more thing." said Phlox "Starfleet regulations require me to run a full bio scan on any new crewmembers serving aboard ship."

"I'm afraid it will have to wait Doctor." replied Soma as he turned and headed for the sickbay doors with Mayweather and Sato in tow.

_________

The lift doors opened and the three officers exited the turbo lift, entering the bridge. Soma stopped suddenly, taking in the entire bridge. Several crewmembers were at their duty stations while a number of others were replacing panels or computer cabling. The bridge was a disorded mess...but it was still the NX-01. The Captain, couldn't help smiling.

Lt. Wang, turned towards the turbo lift and noticed the Vulcan "Captain!" he said straightening himself

"At ease Lieutanent." said Soma. "What's our situation?"

"As ordered, we've beamed the Andorian crew off the wreck." replied Wang. "Commander Tucker, has taken a boarding party over to strip off whatever components he thinks Enterprise can use."

"Do we have communications?" asked Soma.

"Yes, sir." said Wang.

Soma turned to Sato "Ensign, assume your station." he said. "Open a channel to Mr. Tucker."

"Yes, sir" said the Ensign as she walked over to the communications station. There were wires and cabling hanging out of half open panels. She was going to have a talk with Trip when he got back. It looked like a team of monkeys put the comm system back together. "Give me a minute, sir."

Soma nodded and turned his attention back to Wang "How are the repairs coming?"

"Communications are back up." said Wang

"Barely." retorted Hoshi as she reconfigured the frequency modulation.

"Weapons are still offline. Sensors are working intermittently" said the Lietenant "Life support is still shut down on all decks aft of the shuttle bay. The main navigational array is also offline, but Lieutenant Palamis said his team should have it back on within the hour. I also have maintenance teams checking the ship for structural damage until we can get the sensors fully restored. The rest is mostly replacing burnt out components all over the ships."

"Good work Lieutenant." said Soma.

"Thank you, sir." said Wang. "I was just about to start on the navigation station."

Soma turned to Mayweather "Travis, that's your department." said the Captain. "Why don't you lend the Lieutenant a hand."

"Aye, sir." replied Mayweather.

Soma watched as the two men took to ripping apart the navigation console. It reminded him of an old earth carnival game where the participant was given a sledgehammer and sixty second to wreak destruction on some useless piece of equipment.

Soma turned to survey the bridge once again. He topped when he saw it...the command chair.In all the confusion he hadn't given much thought to the fact that it was his now. If only for a brief time. He walked over to the chair, running his hand across the digital armrest. It was much simpler than his own command chair, but there was something special about a command chair with a history. He settled down into it, gripping the armrests.

Ensign Sato looked over at the Captain as he was trying his 'new' chair out. He looked like a kid with a new toy. "Ahem...Captain, I've got Commander Tucker on the comm."

Soma turned to the Ensign and she swore she thought she saw him blush. "Put it through Ensign."

"Chief?" said the Captain.

"Here sir." came an inaudible crackling voice.

Soma looked over at the communications officer.

"Sorry sir." said Hoshi wincing "I'll try to clean it up."

The Ensign adjusted the frequency and carrier wave modulation several times and then turned back to the Captain. "Try it now sir."

"Can you hear me Chief?" asked Soma.

"Yes, Cap'n." replied the voice in a much clearer tone.

"What's the status on the Andorian's warp core?" asked the Captain.

"I think we’re in business sir." replied Tucker. "The core is intact and from the looks of it, all I need to do is make a few modifications and she'll be compatible with our systems. We should have the warp core removed in another couple hours."

"Good," said Soma. "The quicker your off that ship the better."

"Cap'n, I didn't know you cared." said Trip wryly.

"Of course I care Chief." responded Soma. "If you die I'll have to explain it to Captain Archer. Not to mention all the Starfleet paperwork I'll have to fill out. It would be damn inconvenient for you to die on the job, so see to it that you don't."

"Aye Aye sir." Trip said chuckling "I'm all for getting’ off this bucket."

"Then I won't keep you, Chief." said the Captain "Soma out."

The Captain stood up and made his way over to the comm station. "Hoshi, is subspace online?"

"No sir." she replied "That's going to take some time."

"Make that your number one priority Ensign." said Soma. "We need to raise Starfleet and appraise them of our situation."

"Yes, sir." replied Hoshi.

Soma turned and headed for the lift.

"Sir" Hoshi called out "Internal comms are still not working 100%. If I get Starfleet, where will you be so I can notify you?"

"In the brig, Ensign." replied Soma "Getting answers from our guests."

***************


Chapter 18

The platform filled with sparkling shafts of cascading light as five forms took shape within them. As the forms coalesced, their distinct shapes became more identifiable and by the time the light shafts had completely dissipated, five humans stood on the transporter platform of the Enterprise-C.

Jonathan Archer put his hand to his chest...then his stomach...and finally his legs. He was gratified to see that all were there and appeared to be in working order.

"I'm never going to get used to that." groaned Archer. "Do you do that all the time?"

"Yes, sir" said Verdi. "It's been the standard method for personal transport for almost a hundred years."

Travis Mayweather couldn't help smiling. He knew the feeling all too well. Getting used to having your atoms scattered all over the place was an unsettling feeling, but then so was warp drive and meeting other species. They were all things you got used to...eventually.

"How many times have you transported sir?" asked Verdi.

"Twice." said Archer. "Counting this one."

Verdi winced. "Sorry, sir."

"It's all right, Lieutenant." said Archer as he stepped off the platform. "I have to get used to it eventually, it might as well be now."

"Yes, sir." replied the Lieutenant. "If you'll follow me sir. I'm to escort you and Mr. Mayweather to the ship's ready room. Commander Garrett will be briefing you on our mission."

Sweeping his arm towards the door Archer gave the young Lieutenant a smile. "Lead the way."

The three men exited the transporter room and entered onto a main access corridor of the ship. It became immediately apparent to Archer just how big this Enterprise was. He had studied the specs that had accompanied the encoded message from Admiral Forrester, but studying specs and actually stepping onto the Ambassador Class ship was entirely different. The corridors were at least twice the size of his own ship's. The cramped and almost claustrophobic feeling one tended to get aboard a starship was completely absent here.

As they made their way down the corridors of the ship, Archer could not help glancing down adjacent corridors or into opening doors. He saw men and women in maroon colored jackets and blue pants, which he assumed were Starfleet's standard uniform of the time, busy carrying out assignments and performing duties to keep the ship running smoothly. He had even seen several aliens…one being a Vulcan male and another an Andorian female. The fact that they both served aboard the same ship struck him as ironic. He wondered what Shren, that prideful Andorian Captain he had met on P'Jem, would think of it. The other non humans he had seen were from species he hadn't ever encountered before...or yet…depending on how you wanted to to look at it.

The three men came to a stop while they waited for a pair of doors to open. Archer recognized it as the entrance to a standard turbo lift. Once they entered and the doors closed behind them, Lieutenant Verdi activated the lift, "Main bridge."

*Voice activated.* thought Archer as he recalled the specs. He was going to have to get used to his new...albeit temporary...Enterprise.

The lift accelerated through the turbo shafts of the ship with lightening speed although, the passengers never really noticed the acceleration thanks to the inertial dampeners. The same applied for the sudden deceleration and stop at their destination. The lift doors open and the three men exited onto the bridge.

"This way, sir," said Verdi continuing on to an adjacent door.

Archer and Mayweather followed the security chief into the room. It was a wide expanse room with rectangular table dominating the center of the room and a sectioned windowed expanse showing a vista of the Planet they had just left. At the table sat an attractive women with shoulder length brain hair. She wore a standard Starfleet uniform with commander's insignia.

Verdi came to a stop. "Captain Jonathan Archer," said Verdi signifying Archer to the woman, "Lieutenant Commander Rachel Garrett."

Archer stepped forward as the woman stood up, "My pleasure Commander."

Garrett shook Archer's hand. "Welcome aboard Captain." said Garrett. "It's an honor to meet you, sir."

Archer smiled at the young Lieutenant Commander, and he could swear she blushed.

Garrett quickly covered her embarrassment and turned to Verdi, "Thank you Mr. Verdi, that will be all."

"Yes, Ma'm." replied the Lieutenant as he turned and exited the ready room.

"Captain, can I get you anything to drink or eat?" asked Garrett.

"No, I'm fine thank you" replied Archer.

"Well Captain, shall we get down to business?" said Garrett motioning to the conference table.

"Of course Commander, but please...when we're together like this...call me Jon." Archer told her. "I'm going to be depending on both you and Travis heavily for this assignment. I'd rather we had a more relaxed atmosphere between us."

Garret smiled, "All right...Jon."

Travis smiled. "*The captain always was a smooth operator.*” he thought.

"I assume you had time to review the information Starfleet sent?" asked Garrett.

"Yes, according to the report's Starfleet in this era have received, Silik has been positively identified as being in this time period."

"Yes, we've also received an update to those reports." said Garrett handing Archer a data PADD

"An operative in Klingon Intelligence reported that a Klingon bird of prey picked up a Suliban passenger from Epsilon Erindi Prime less than two days ago." she explained

"A Klingon ship?" said Travis.

"Yes" replied Garrett looking at her own data PADD "The...Mak'tek."

"That's Captain Ork's ship." said Travis

Garrett shook her head "It's a non aligned Klingon ship, Captain" she continued " An old J7 Bird of Prey converted to running cargo and freight. She has a mixed crew...Klingon...Human…anyone looking for work and profit "

"Yeah, but still heavily armed." added Travis.

"Yes, but that's not surprising for a Klingon privateer like Ork." responded Garrett.

"So Starfleet doesn't necessarily believe the Klingons are involved in Silik's plans." said Archer.

"It's not very likely." Garrett agreed "The Klingons and the Federation have had a peace treaty for over thirty years--arocky one, but still secure."

"So we're still in the dark as to not only what Silik's intentions are," said Archer. "But who he's dealing with."

"I'm afraid so, Jon." replied Garrett.

"Then our only option is to follow his trail." said Archer.

"Unfortunately, we're not sure where the Mak'tek is now." explained Garrett. "Last report was she was in the Fiery 12 system and then we lost her. Ork could have dropped Silik off in that system. There are plenty of back worlds where no questions are asked and Federation law is loosely enforced, if at all."

Archer shook his head "We would have our hands full just trying to search one planet, let alone an entire system." he said "We can't waste time chasing possible leads…I have the feeling Silik isn't going to give us that much time."

"Then what?" asked Garrett.

Archer pursed his lips looking out at the view the windows afforded. He stared intently for a few moments and then looked at Travis.

"Travis, your familiar with this Klingon Captain?" said Archer.

"Well…yes sir...I've dealt with him." replied Travis "He's not one to be trusted and he'll shoot you just as soon as talk to you."

"If he just transported a single passenger...an important passenger that Starfleet was looking for..." said Captain Archer.

Garrett interrupted, "Jon, how do we know Silik was alone or that Ork would think he was important? He could just be another passenger seeking discrete transport for all Ork knew."

Archer smiled. "You’re forgetting," he reminded her, "I know Silik. He would insist on privacy as well as discretion. Even if he didn't tell Ork why…the Klingon Captain would have his suspicions….skirting Federation space….traveling outside the regular space lanes....away from Starfleet...That would make me more than a little suspicious."

Garrett smiled at Archer, *Damn* she thought. *He WAS good.*

Archer turned back to Travis, "Once Ork dropped off Silik, where would he go?"

Travis looked at Archer for a moment, his brows furrowed as he considered the question "Well...If I thought I just carried a passenger that might bring Starfleet to my door, I'd want to lay low for a while."

"But then you would have a restless crew full of mercenaries and free booters." added Archer. "Who had been recently paid for services rendered."

"Right" said Travis. "So I'd want to put into port somewhere."

"Somewhere with shore facilities." continued Archer.

Garrett watched the two men. It was mesmerizing listening to them go back and forth as each added a piece to the other's hypothesis.

"Right, and also outside of Starfleet's view." said Travis. "The Martez colony!"

Archer looked at Garrett. "Rachel?"

"It's a spaceport for the low-lifes of the galaxy." said Garrett. "It's also on a non-Federation world. Starfleet has no authority there."

"That's all right. I wasn't counting on Starfleet authority to deal with a Klingon." smiled Archer.

Archer rose from his chair. "Set course for the Martez colony, maximum warp."

"Just a minute, sir." said Garrett. "We still have a formality to take care of before I issue that order."

Archer looked at her. He had hoped to avoid any disharmony between himself and the crew. "Yes?"

"Computer." Garrett called out. "As of Stardate 30462.5 acting Captain Rachel Garrett relinquishes command of USS Enterprise NCC-1701-C to Captain Jonathan Archer. Transfer all command authority and command codes...voice recognition Epsilon...Kappa...12...Delta...Charlie."

"Voice recognition confirmed." responded the computer. "Captain Jonathan Archer is now recognized as commanding officer of USS Enterprise NCC 1701-C."

Garrett smiled at Archer "Now I can carry out your orders, sir."

**************


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