Gateway- Part 8

Gateway

By Quills

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

PART EIGHT (Chapters 22-24)

Chapter 22

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Captain's Star log...supplemental...it has been seventeen hours since the engineering team brought the salvaged Andorian warp core aboard the Enterprise. Mr. Tucker and his engineering staff have been working nonstop to install the core and bring it online. He and his staff are running final simulations in order the make the necessary calibrations. The ship's crew is waiting with anticipation. I must admit that I am also finding the waiting to be difficult.

Captain Soma stepped out of his ready room and onto the bridge. He surveyed the deck seeing crewmembers and maintenance personnel removing final pieces of repair equipment and tools. Most of the ship's major systems had been restored and...with the exception of the warp drive...the ship was ready to resume it's mission.

Soma stepped down into the command area as he headed for his chair. Looking up, he noticed a long absent face at the tactical station. "Mr. Reed, I see the good Doctor has seen fit to release you."

Reed smiled "Yes sir, I gave him plenty of incentive to get me out of sickbay."

Soma smiled "I can but imagine Mr. Reed." said the Captain "Status of ship's systems?"

Reed looked over the ship's damage control readouts "Impulse engines are at 85%... sensors are back online at 75%... Life support has been restored to all decks.... Ship’s structural integrity is 92%... Torpedoes are functioning, but phasers are still offline along with the warp drive."

"Very good Mr. Reed." replied Soma as he swiveled the chair face forward. Tapping the chair comm button he opened a channel to engineering "Engine room, this the bridge, Mr. Reed reports all primary systems are operating. Are you ready to bring the warp core online?"

A voice came over the comm speaker. "Give us a minute Captain, we're doin’ a final check on the system. Ya might wanna have the crew take their stations. We're not one hundred percent sure how the ship'll react to an alien warp core."

"Understood Chief." acknowledged the Captain. "Notify me when you’re ready."

"Aye, sir." replied Tucker.

"Hoshi, open ship wide inter comm." ordered Soma.

"Inter comm open sir." replied the Ensign.

"All hands this the Captain. Duty personnel report to your stations...all off duty personnel report to your repair crew sections.
Mr. Tucker and his staff are about to bring the warp core online. I want all stations secured and ready. Captain out."

As the Captain reviewed a data PADD the doors to the turbo lift hissed open and several bridge personnel exited the lift. Among them was Ensign Mayweather who had been assisting Mr. Tucker with the installation of the warp core. Mayweather took his position at ship's helm and secured the main controls and rerouted emergency buffers as appreciation for when the warp core was brought online.

The rest of the bridge crew were also securing their stations and making last minute preparations for the warp core to be brought online. No one knew exactly what would happen. Chief Tucker was confident the system was compatible, but at the same time he couldn't be sure the alien warp core wouldn't cause a ship wide feedback blowing out half the systems on the ship.

"Captain," Reed called out, "department heads report all systems are secure. I'll need to take tactical offline before Mr. Tucker engages the warp core. If we have any energy spikes they could feed into the phasers and cause an overload. That could take out the lower decks of the saucer sir."

"Make it so, Mr. Reed." replied the Captain. "You can monitor the system wide energy output from the science station. We'll need someone to temporarily man that section."

"That will not be necessary, Captain." came a familiar voice from the back of the bridge.

Soma spun around in his chair to see where the all to familiar voice came from. Standing in front of the turbo lift was the ship's first officer...Sub Commander T'Pol. The Captain looked up at her in surprise. Behind her he could see Doctor Phlox had accompanied her to the bridge.

Soma stood and walked over to the railing closing the distance between them. The two Vulcans stared at one another for a moment. Soma raised his hand in the traditional Vulcan greeting "Sub Commander T'Pol"

T'Pol raised her hand in kind. "Captain Soma," she replied. "I wish to resume my duties. The Doctor has cleared me for light duty."

Soma looked at Phlox, "Doctor?"

"Nothing too strenuous Captain," replied the Doctor. "At least for the next few days. The Sub Commander insisted on returning to duty before Mr. Tucker brought the warp core online."

Soma looked back at T'Pol and smiled. "Then by all means Sub Commander," replied the Captain. "Assume your station...and welcome back."

T'Pol arched her eyebrow at Soma, turning she walked to her science station without replying. Soma watched as she took her seat and immediately start checking systems and securing sensitive components. He sighed to himself looking down at the deck plate. Just then the comm on his chair signaled. He walked over and tapped the button "Go".

"We're ready Cap'n." said Tucker. "We'll bring the warp core online when you give the word."

Soma looked back at T'Pol who was now staring at him intently. "No time like the present, Chief."

"All right sir, then stand by." said Tucker "I'm initiating the start up sequence...sequence initiated...the warp core will come on line in 45 seconds."

"Hoshi, ship wide inter comm." said Soma. "All hands, the start up sequence for the warp core has begun...The Warp Core will come online in...35 seconds."

Soma swung his chair towards the science station. "Sub Commander, monitor any fluctuations from the warp core on internal sensors."

"Yes, Captain, " replied T'Pol.

"Twenty five seconds Captain." came Tuckers voice over the inter comm.

All eyes were on the Captain's chair as Tucker relayed the count down for the warp core to come online.

"Fifteen seconds" he reported.

Eyes darted from one person the next. Palms began to sweat. The tension on the bridge was beginning to rise with every second they got closer to the engines’ coming to life.

"Ten seconds sir...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1!"

Nothing...all stations remained as they were. It didn't work.

"Mr. Tucker?" said the Captain.

But before Trip Tucker could reply a sudden surge went through the ship causing the deck plating to shutter. This was followed by a high pitched whine that grew in intensity. Soma looked up seeing the ship visibly shake for several moments. Turning to T'pol he called out "Status!" as the ship began to rock violently.

"Warp core output at 125%, the ship is experiencing a system wide overload." shouted T'Pol as the noise of the ship's vibrations became defeaning "We must shut down the warp core or we will lose major ship systems."

"Soma to engineering, your running at 125%" shouted the Captain "Shut down the warp core. Ship's system are overloading."

No response...

"Chief!" shouted Soma "Pull the plug!"

Suddenly, the vibrations stopped...the deck plates ceased rattling and the high pitched whine of the energy surge slowly faded. Soma looked around the bridge seeing the haggard faces of his bridge crew.

"Engineering, what just happened?" asked Soma.

"We got her under control sir." said Tucker. "I told ya I wasn't sure how she'd react to Enterprise's systems. We had to make some adjustments, but she's purrin’ like a kitten now sir. We HAVE warp drive."

Cheers rag out from the bridge crew in response to the news.

"Good work Chief" said Soma. "You've earned your pay for the week."

"Aye aye sir.' replied Tucker. "Just don't take her higher than warp three till we complete the diagnostics."

"Understood, Chief." Soma stood up and walked to the front of the bridge.

"Ensign, open the inter comm." said Soma.

"Open sir." replied Hoshi.

"This is the Captain speaking, thanks to Chief Tucker and his engineering staff, we now have warp drive restored and we are ready to continue our mission." said Soma pausing.

He looked around the bridge at his crew. "We have a difficult mission ahead of us...and I know many of you are questioning whether your ready for it. Battling hostile aliens isn't the job you signed up for." said Soma. "I won't lie to you...there is a danger and there is risk...but risk is our business!"

"I know I can depend on each of you to do your very best. You have shown that your capable of facing adversity and standing fast. You've sent a clear message to those that would thwart us. The crew of the starship Enterprise will not give up ...and they will always accomplish the impossible...because there are ships...and then there are ships named Enterprise."

The bridge crew looked at one another with pride, nodding in agreement.

Soma smiled "End of speech...let's get to work. Helm, set a course for the Pentax Facility in the Colodon system...warp three."

"Course laid in sir." smiled the helmsman.

"Engage." ordered the Captain.

The helmsman moved the warp control accelerating the ship forward as it passed warp point five and continued accelerating to warp one creating a dazzling spray of light as it bent the space time continuum...then warp two...warp two point five and the ship began to emit that familiar hum that all crews traveling at warp speed welcomed...finally the ship reached warp 3 and leveled out holding at that speed.

"We are at warp three and holding, sir." said Mayweather.

"Excellent" said Soma. "Time to Pentax?"

"At warp three," said Mayweather as he looked at his instruments, "sixty three hours forty two minutes."

Soma walked over to his chair and tapped the comm. "Engineering, any chance we'll be able to coax warp four out of the engines?"

"Give me another hou,r Cap'n, and I might even be able to give you four point five." responded Tucker.

"Good work Chief," said Soma. "Keep me updated on engine performance."

"Aye, sir." replied the engineer "we're still on for dinner?"

"1630 Chief." Replied Soma "I'll see you then."

Soma closed the channel and walked up the stairs to the raised deck and to the science station. "I'm going to my quarters to get settled in. Maintain our course and speed until Mr. Tucker gives us the ok to increase past warp three."

"Aye Captain." responded T'Pol.

Soma looked at the Vulcan science officer "I was wondering if you would join Commander Tucker and myself for dinner." said Soma "I haven't had an opportunity to sit down and talk with my two senior officers...dinner seems as good a time as any."

T'pol looked back at the Captain. She considered his offer for several moments. "Of course Captain."

Soma smiled slightly, "Good, then I'll see you at 1630 hours."

T'Pol nodded in acknowledgement.

"You have the bridge number one." said Soma nodding to T'Pol as he headed towards the turbo lift.

As he exited, a curious expression came over T'Pol's face. Lieutenant Reed could not help noticing the Vulcan's brows furrow and recognized his fellow bridge officer was perplexed.

"Something wrong Sub Commander?" asked Reed.

She arched a brow, "The numerical reference the Captain made towards me."

"Number one?" said Reed.

"I fail to comprehend the significance of it." asked T'Pol.

Reed smiled "It's an old earth nautical term." he explained "Some Captain's used to call their first officer's'number one' as a sign of deference and respect. They were the Captain's number one officer. Some Starfleet Captain's use the term. I guess Captain Soma does as well."

"Then it is a compliment?" said the Vulcan questioningly.

"It is." replied Reed.

T'Pol's merely shook her head.

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Chapter 23

In the 24th century....

A young woman in a Starfleet uniform approached the large French designed double doors. They were fairly uncommon and nonstandard among offices in Starfleet headquarters. However, as the residing Grand Admiral of all of Starfleet Command, the occupant of the office could have the decor anyway they liked. Rank certainly did have its privileges. Although, the current occupant emphatically insisted that the doors were not French, but Russian.

The young woman knocked on the door and then opened it, "Sir, Admiral Satie is here to see you."

The Admiral stood up and walked towards the door, "Show her in Marsha."

"Yes, sir," said the woman as she opened the door. "The Admiral will see you now Ma'am."

Admiral Nora Satie walked into the office of the Grand Admiral of Starfleet Command. Satie was in her mid forties. Fairly young for someone of her rank and distinction, but she was one of those high caliber officers who had the drive and determination to succeed. Although, her own self assurance that she was right tended to blind her to other possibilities...she was a good command officer.

"Nora!" said the Grand Admiral clasping the woman's hand "How are you?"

"I'm very well sir." replied Satie with a smile, "and you?"

"Oh, as vell as can be expected if you don't expect to much." he replied. "I believe you know the Ambassador."

A man seated with his back to the door stood and turned to face Admiral Satie. He was a Vulcan, of rather considerable age, even for a Vulcan. The admiral, of course, recognized the Ambassador at once. After all, he was a legend in the Federation.

"We've met." she said with a smile.

"The Altaran conference." stated the Ambassador "It is agreeable to see you again Admiral."

"And you as well, Ambassador." replied Satie.

"Vell Nora, I believe you have news to report?" said the Grand Admiral as he offered Satie a seat.

"Yes, sir " replied Satie as she took a seat across the desk of the Grand Admiral. "We have received a message from the Enterprise-C. Captain Archer successfully arrived in our time period and is taking her to the Martez colony on Liax II."

The Vulcan arched his brow in curiosity, "Why has Captain Archer decided on this course of action?"

"It’s his opinion, that Enterprise would have greater success finding Silik by finding the Klingon ship that transported him." explained Satie. "He believes, based on the advice of former Starfleet Captain Travis Mayweather, that the Klingon vessel will lie low in order to avoid any Starfleet vessels that might be looking for Silik."

"And the Martez colony is an excellent location to accomplish this." responded the Vulcan. "Most logical."

The Grand Admiral shook his head, "Vell, vhat about Captain Soma?"

"No word yet from our operatives in that time period." said Satie "It may just be difficulties with communications. The technology of that era isn't exactly designed for long range transmissions. Enterprise NX might just need to get closer to Earth in order to relay a message."

The Grand Admiral shook his head "Or it could be that Soma didn't make it or that the Enterprise NX has encountered hostile vorces."

"A distinct possibility Admiral." said the Vulcan "However, I know Captain Soma and can attest to the fact that he has time and time again managed to complete his mission even when all others involved believed it to be impossible."

The Admiral turned back to Satie. "Have your people continue monitoring for any vord on Captain Soma and the NX-01"he told her. "I vant to know the minute you hear anything."

"Understood Admiral." replied Satie.

"That will be all Nora," said the Admiral. "It vas nice seeing you again, I only vish it vere under better circumstances."

"Likewise sir." said Satie as she stood and turned to the Vulcan Ambassador. "It was nice seeing you again Ambassador."

The Vulcan nodded, "Live long and prosper Admira.l"

With that, Satie turned and made her way out of the office. Once he was certain they were alone, the Admiral posed a question to the Vulcan.

"Vell, vhat do you think?" he asked.

"The Admiral may very well be correct." said the Vulcan. "Starfleet technology of Captain Archer's era is not as reliable or as advanced as our own."

"That's vhat vorries me." said the Admiral as he stood up and began pacing. "If they ran into trouble, Starfleet might not find out till it vas too late."

"That is also a possibility." replied the Vulcan "However, since it is impossible for us to change the circumstances...the most logical course of action, is for us to wait."

"I don't vait very vell." said the Admiral as he started pacing again. "You know that."

The Vulcan stood and blocked the Admiral's movement. "Admiral...you have sent two highly trained Starship Captain's to deal with the problem at hand." said the Vulcan. "Your anxiety is understandable; however, you must...have faith in their abilities. They are after all, both very similar to a starship captain you and I have both had the privilege to serve with and we are both quite familiar with his ability to accomplish the impossible."

The Admiral smiled. "You’re right, I know the mission is in good hands." he said. "It's the not knowing that I'm having trouble vith."

Before the Admiral could continue, the young woman he called Marsha came into the room. "Excuse me Admiral, a message arrived for you and the Ambassador while you were in your meeting with Admiral Satie."

"Yes Marsha." said the Admiral.

"It's from the head of Starfleet Medical, sir." "He...um...that is... he said..."

The Admiral looked at the young woman. "Marsha, just tell me vhat he said."

The young woman cleared her throat "He told me...'kindly tell the ENSIGN and that pointy eared hobgoblin I've been waitin’ at the restaurant for nearly forty minutes..." she said pausing, "...and if I can have my atoms spread across the planet just to meet them for dinner then they can...damned well show up on time."

The Admiral looked at the Ambassador and smiled. "I tink the good Doctor is trying to tell us something."

Arching his eyebrow, the Vulcan shook his head in agreement. "The Doctor has always had a proclivity for emotionalism."

The Admiral turned back to the young woman. "Marsha, if Admiral Satie calls, have her message relayed directly to me."

"Understood sir." replied the woman.

"Vell, shall we Ambassador?" said the Admiral. "Ve vould not want to keep the Doctor vaiting any longer. He vould never let us here the end of it."

"On that we are in complete agreement Admiral." replied the Vulcan as the two men exited the office to meet an old friend.

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

Chapter 24

Captain Soma walked into the ship's sickbay with a specific task to perform...or rather...to have a specific task performed on him. Starfleet regulations required all new personnel to be given a complete physical and bio scan scan at the first opportunity. He had managed to duck it when he first came onboard, citing the ship's status as an overriding reason. However, the ship was fine now and the immediate danger they had been in was past. Still...He could not believe that his era Starfleet did not request he not have to undergo this exam. He had a pretty good idea what Phlox would find once his scan was run through the ship's database. It was a complication he had hoped to avoid, but one he was at least prepared to deal with.

Upon entering, he saw Doctor Phlox who was having a conversation with a junior officer. Phlox saw Soma and greeted him. "Ah, Captain...I take it your here for your physical and bio scan."

"If you’re busy Doctor, I can come back some other time." he said. It was a poor attempt and he knew it.

"Nonsense, Captain." said Phlox. "Ensign McBride and I were just finishing."

Soma turned to the Ensign and stared at her for a brief moment. "Ensign, do I know you?"

"Oh, I get that all the time sir." she smiled. "It’s probably my mother you know. Everyone says I look so much like her....Captain Christine McBride of the starship 'Alexander'...I'm her daughter, Julie."

A wave of memories suddenly came flooding into Soma's mind. He realized why the Ensign seemed so familiar and it wasn't because she resembled her mother. The images in his mind were of an older, more mature COMMANDER Julie McBride. A seasoned veteran, who had been the first officer aboard the USS Fairfax. Who, in between postings, took a temporary position teaching at Starfleet Academy where a then Cadet Soma was taking his final classes.

"Yes, that must be it." replied Soma in an almost whispered tone.

"The Ensign will be leaving us once we complete our mission." said Phlox. "I was just issuing her enough medication for her allergies."

Soma looked back at the Ensign. "Leaving us?"

"Yes, I'm being transferred to the 'Honshu'." she replied. "It's not the Enterprise, but if I take the assignment I'll be promoted to first lieutenant and moved into the command grade."

Soma tried to smile, "Congratulations."

"Thank you sir." she replied. "It’s what I really want. Well...what I really want is to command my own ship someday. A transfer to the 'Honshu' is a start."

A second wave of memories, more intense than the first, flooded into Soma's mind. He looked at the young Ensign, but all he could see was the broken and battered body of his training instructor, Commander Julie McBride, as he desperately tried to pull her free of the burning wreckage of the shuttle trainer. The images unfolded in his mind and ended just as they would twenty three years from now with the death of Julie McBride.

"Sir?" said the Ensign bringing Soma out of his haze of memories.

"My apologies Ensign." he said. "I was just...thinking." he replied. "Good luck on your new assignment. I'm certain if the opportunity presents itself...you would make a fine starship Captain."

The Ensign smiled. "Thank you sir."

Soma nodded, and the Ensign walked out of the sickbay with Soma watching her walk away.

Phlox looked at Soma, "Captain, are you all right?"

"Yes Doctor" replied Soma still looking into the now empty corridor "I'm just...a little tired."

Phlox didn't buy it, but he wasn't going to argue the point. "Of course, that's perfectly understandable."

"Let’s get the physical over with." he said, "I'm meeting Commander Tucker and Sub Commander T'Pol for dinner."

"It will only take a few minutes Captain." said Phlox. "Why don't I run the bio scan first. That way we can save time and complete the physical while the computer analyzes the scans."

"That's fine doctor." replied Soma.

"Well, if you would lie down on the diagnostic table." said Phlox patting the table.

Soma hopped up on the table and laid down. Looking up at the acoustical tiling on the ceiling, he tried to put the thoughts of Julie McBride out of his mind. The table began to move into the diagnostic chamber. Soma wasn't claustrophobic, but he had the feeling most people were uncomfortable in the cramped cylindrical chamber.

"Well, Captain," said Phlox as he adjusted the controls. "What do you think of the 21st century."

Soma raised a brow, "I was born in this century Doctor." replied Soma.

"Hold still please." said Phlox. "Yes, but I imagine it's been quite a while. After all, you’re nearly one hundred and fifty years old."

"Not an uncommon age for a Vulcan." said Soma.

"For a full Vulcan, no." countered the Doctor. "But you aren't a full Vulcan. In fact, you’re the first offspring of a Vulcan and a Human that I have ever encountered."

"I'm sure it must be fascinating for you." said Soma sarcastically as he tried to remain motionless on the table.

"Oh, very much so." said Phlox smiling. "It's one of the reasons I joined the medical exchange program. To encounter and study new forms of life."

"Glad I could be of service." said Soma wryly.

The Doctor hit the control pad and the table slid out of the scanning chamber. "All finished Captain. We can proceed with the physical while the computer performs the analysis."

The Doctor moved to a small table and adjusted several instruments for performing the physical exam. He moved the table to the diagnostic bed that Soma was now sitting on. The Doctor picked up a small red ball and handed it to the Captain.

"I'd like you to squeeze that and release it," instructed Phlox, "continuing the action until I tell you to stop."

Soma took the ball and began squeezing it and releasing it. He did this for the better part of a minute and then the doctor told him he could stop. The Doctor ran a scanner over Soma's chest abdomen taking readings for elevated respiration, blood pressure and finally heart rate.

"Excellent," said Phlox, "you did exceptionally well."

Phlox was about to begin the second test, when a beeping noise began to emanate from his work station.

"That's odd." said Phlox. "That's only supposed to happen if the computer finds an anomaly in the scan."

Phlox walked over to his computer and activated the computer screen. On it were two intertwining strings connected by filaments. They looked like twisted ladders cascading across the computer screen. Phlox of course knew what it was. The building blocks of life itself...DNA...more specifically it was Captain Soma's DNA. In the upper right hand corner of the monitor flashed a series of data streams. Phlox accessed the information and the screen split into three sections. In the new sections, two other DNA profiles appeared and began rotating. Phlox looked at the images with a puzzled expression. He accessed the information further and the screen came alive with DNA comparative sub fields as information from all three screen sections began printing out in a new fourth box. The Doctor read the information and looked up. Captain Soma, who had already hopped off the diagnostic table, was moving towards the Doctor. Phlox turned around, looking Soma in the face.

"Is there a problem Doctor?" asked Soma.

"I...I'm not sure." answered Phlox. "According to the computer...you...your.."

Soma looked at the Doctor. "Hard to accept, isn't it." said Soma.

"I should run another scan." said Phlox turning back to the monitor. "It must be a mistake."

"It's no mistake Doctor." said Soma.. "Your computer has accurately assessed my 'condition'."

Phlox turned back to the Captain. Bewilderment filled his expression along with a twinge of fear.

"I suspected you would find out." said Soma. "You have always been very thorough."

Phlox stared at Soma. "You say that in a very... familiar way."

Soma stared back at the Doctor for a moment and then spoke. "Doctor, as the ship's medical officer it is up to you to make a decision." said Soma. "Based on the evidence you have discovered, you must make two rulings. First, do you have any reason to believe what you have discovered poses any jeopardy to the crew or our mission? Second, does this new information warrant the inclusion of any of the senior officers?"

Phlox studied Soma for a moment.

"Well, Doctor?" asked Soma.

"I can find no reason that my findings are either a jeopardy to the crew or the mission or why any senior officers should be made aware of it. " replied Phlox.

Soma shook his head. "Then I am certified, by you, as competent to officially assume command?"

"Yes, Captain "replied Phlox. "You are."

"Very well." said Soma. "Then my first 'official' act is to order you to not to reveal your findings to ANYONE at ANYTIME...EVER...and to also destroy the bio scan information once this mission is complete. Is that understood."

Phlox hesitated a moment, "Yes Captain."

"Good." said Soma. "Doctor, I do not enjoy putting you through the hoops, but it is vitally important that no one ever see your findings. You can understand what that could lead to."

Phlox nodded "I will treat it as the strictest of Doctor/Patient confidentialities."

Soma smiled "Thank you Doctor" said Soma "For what its worth, I'm glad you found out and not some Starfleet medical officer. I know I can trust you with my life and my secret Doctor."

Phlox smiled, "I hope that I am...worthy of that trust."

"Don't worry Doctor." smiled Soma. "I know that you are. Now...if you will excuse me...I have a dinner to attend."

"With...with Sub Commander T'Pol and Commander Tucker." said Phlox.

"Yes," replied Soma with a grin. "I trust we can forgo the rest of the physical?"

Phlox shook his head, "I think that would be wisest Captain. I can only do with one shock per day."

Soma gave the Doctor a smile as he headed for the sickbay doors. "I'll try to remember that doc."

Trip Tucker hurried down the corridor desperately trying to catch the turbo lift before the doors closed. Running past crewmembers he dodged and weaved in a frantic effort to reach the doors.

"Make a hole." he shouted "Comin’ through!"

Enterprise crewmembers looked at the engineer and wondered if they were under attack again. Tucker was within three meters of the now closing doors of the turbo lift. In a last ditched effort he vaulted through the air, twisting his body sideways as he did so, allowing him to slide between the doors seconds before they fully closed.

The engineer landed at the back of the lift, where the wall of the turbo lift brought him to a sudden and painful stop. "Oww!"

The other occupant of the turbo lift looked at the Chief Engineer with alarm. "Are you all right sir?" Crewman Donna Pietsky was attached to the ship's science division and was the assistant botanist aboard Enterprise. She had seen the Chief Engineer several times at the ship's weekly movies. She had been thinking of asking him to join her for a movie one week, but now she wasn't so sure.

"Fine." said Tucker as he rubbed the shoulder that had impacted the turbo lift wall.

"What in the world were you in such a hurry for." Pietsky asked him. "You could have just waited for the next lift."

"I didn't want to be late." said Tucker.

"Late for what?" she asked.

"Dinner with the Captain." smiled Tucker.

"Oh" replied Pietsky. "Yeah, I guess a Vulcan Captain would expect you to be punctual."

"Nah." countered the engineer. "Cap'n Soma is a good guy. He's not like the Vulcans we've met before."

She looked at him inquisitively, "Then why the rush?"

"I don't want to make a bad impression." he said straightening his uniform. "Cap'n Archer has known me for years. He knows I'd probably be late for me own funeral."

"But Captain Soma doesn't." added Pietsky.

"Right," replied Tucker, "and I don't want to give him any ideas."

The young woman giggled.

"What's so funny?" asked Trip in bewilderment.

"Sorry Commander." said Pietsky in between giggles. "I'm just thinking of what kind of punishment can be inflicted for making the Captain's dinner cold."

"Hah hah." he replied sarcastically. "Well, I'm not going to be late."

She smiled, "You just missed your stop."

"What!" he shouted spinning to see the control panel.

"I'm teasing." she said "relax."

He gave her a penetrating stare, "You’re an evil, evil woman."

"That I am." she said "Maybe you'd like to find out how evil sometime."

Trip smiled at her and was about to say something when the turbo lift came to a halt and the doors opened.

"I believe this is your floor." she smiled.

"Uh, yeah," he stammered, "I guess I better go."

She smiled and waved to him as he stumbled down the corridor, "Have fun." she said and started giggling again.

She stared intently at the candles as they flickered in the darkened cabin. She focused on the raw light which emanated from the wax cylinders. A appropriate metaphor for the raw emotion which burned so intently in her heart and her mind. Who was this Vulcan Captain and why did she have such strong and overwhelming thoughts of disapproval towards him. She didn't know him. She had only just met him. His service record showed he was a Starfleet officer of remarkable distinction and the reports of the senior officers all agreed that he was doing an excellent job of acclimating to his temporary assignment. Still, she found nothing to dissuade the...feelings... she was experiencing. Not even her meditations seemed to help.

She rose abruptly and walked to the small view port in her cabin. Looking out, her eyes followed the stars as they passed by. She was a Vulcan. She would not be governed by her emotions. The teachings of Surak held all the answers she would need. It was merely a matter of deciphering them.

She took a deep breath and exhaled. She would attend the dinner with Commander Tucker and the Captain. She would bury these unwanted emotions deep inside where they could not interfere with her performance and professionalism. It would be that simple. She had decided on her course of action. Nothing could move her from that course.

She turned and bent down blowing out the meditation candles. She then headed for the door, stopping momentarily and straightening herself as a familiar and unwanted feeling came over her. This was going to be much more difficult than she wished to admit.

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

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