Gateway-Part 13

"Gateway"

By Quills

PART THIRTEEN

Contact:the_quill_pen@yahoo.com

Rating: PG-13 angst, drama, romance, humor, action/adventure
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Startrek and I derive no financial gain from this story.

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 investigate the 'Temporal Cold War'.

PART THIRTEEN (Chapter 35-36)

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Chapter 35

Tolaris and his escort stepped out of the turbo lift and entered the bridge. The young security officer motioned Tolaris towards the stairway to the lower command area of the bridge.

Tolaris had been on this ship once before. It was over a year ago; when he was still traveling with some fellow Vulcans seeking to escape the prejudicial "persecution" from those Vulcan's who viewed the embracing of emotion with utter contempt and disdain.

He was largely unimpressed by the humans. Something he and his emotion shedding brethren seemed to share. He really had no great interest visiting the Earth ship again or assisting the Soma in his investigation. They had nothing he wanted. No, that wasn't quite true. They did have something or rather someone. A beautiful Vulcan female he had met and 'explored' with on his first visit. He remembered the emotions he felt when he touched her mind. Emotions he wanted to help her embrace. Emotions she would have shared with him had it not been for the interfering human...Archer. There was a human he despised. Not only for his interference but for how he twisted T'Pol into believing he had somehow violated her. Archer would pay for that some day, but not today. No, today there was another man in command of the Earth ship. A Vulcan who seemed more like himself...one who embraced his emotions and did not try to hide them through regimented disciplines and archaic rituals. Tolaris would speak to this Captain Soma. Perhaps the Captain would even arrange for him to speak to T'Pol privately.

Tolaris scanned the bridge for Captain Soma. It only took him a moment to find the Vulcan. He was on the far side of the bridge talking to one of the humans.

Jonathan Soma turned and saw Tolaris walking towards him. Soma noticed he was looking around the bridge as if searching for something...or someone. Soma knew who that someone was. Tolaris was in for a disappointment.

Soma walked over to Tolaris and greeted him. "Welcome aboard."

"Captain, its agreeable to see you again."

"Thank You" said Soma "I trust you had no trouble finding your way?"

"Not at all." said Tolaris with a smile "As you'll recall, I have been aboard the Enterprise before."

From behind Soma, Tolaris could here a low guttural noise and it prompted him to look up at the human officer seated at the bridge engineering station. He was greeted by the piercing stare of the ship's Chief Engineer, Commander Charles Tucker. He had met this man before.

"Hello Commander" said Tolaris with a sense of false pleasantry behind his words "It's been a while."

"Not long enough." muttered Tucker

"I beg your pardon." said Tolaris arching his brow.

Tucker leaned over his console and glared at the Vulcan. "MY pardon inn't the one you should be beggin’ for you son of a…."

"Chief!" interrupted Soma as he turned towards the engineer.

Tucker looked at his Captain in surprise. "Cap'n," Tucker protested defensively. "Ya don't know what this...thing did to..."

Soma gave the engineer a piercing stare. "As you were Mister."

'But Cap'n…" he began in protest.

"Not another word." said Soma pointing his finger at the engineer. "You will treat our guest with the proper respect. Do I make myself clear?"

Trip Tucker bristled as he acknowledged the order, "Yes...sir."

Malcolm Reed looked at his friend. He sympathized with Trip. He had heard the rumors about what had happened shortly before the Vulcans had left only to have them recently affirmed as being true by Hoshi Sato. He had heard how Tolaris had performed a kind of mental 'rape' on T'Pol. It took Captain Archer and the business end of a phase pistol to send Tolaris packing. So, he sympathized with Trip. He knew the engineer considered T'Pol a friend...and sometimes he wondered if he considered her even more. That thought made him uncharacteristically uncomfortable and he wasn't sure why. In any case, no matter what he thought he knew where his duty lay. Captain Soma had given him explicit instructions and he was going to follow them to the letter.

"I trust your visit means you have information."

"Indeed Captain" said Tolaris taking out a small computer disc. He held the disc in front of the Captain but did not hand it to him "This is information from Selesh's personal database. It contains decrypted communiqués from ALL of his clients."

"Am I to understand he just gave you this information?"

"Let us just say he was not available to protest."

Soma looked at Tolaris as he considered that statement. Had he killed Selesh? It would not be outside the realm of possibilities. It was certainly not beneath Tolaris.

"I would like to have my communications officer verify the discs veracity." said soma extending his hand

Tolaris considered the request for a moment. There was something he desperately wanted. "I will give you the disc Captain...on one condition."

*Here it is* Soma thought "What might that be?"

"I would like to speak to Sub Commander T'Pol...privately."

Hoshi and Reed glanced at one another with uncertainty. Trip Tucker on the other hand was quite certain what he was going to do. He began to rise from his chair but was stopped by Soma's voice.

"Get out of that chair Mister and I'll have Mr. Reed escort you from the bridge." said Soma as he held his gaze on Tolaris.

Tucker looked at Tolaris and then at Soma. He didn't know who he was more angry with right now *Damn Vulcans* he thought, but he was quite certain Captain Soma meant exactly what he said.

"Sub Commander T'Pol is currently in another section of the ship performing her duties. However...I'm sure once we verify the veracity of the disc's contents we can...arrange something appropriate.

Tolaris gave a wicked grin as he handed the disc to Soma. Soma immediately walked away from the Vulcan. The mere site of the man reviled him. When he got to the comm station, he handed the disc to Hoshi Sato."

"Ensign"

Hoshi inserted the disc into the computer slot and ran a security program analysis on it. Measuring the encryption density she judged that the information was indeed genuine and had not been fabricated.

Hoshi turned towards Soma and simply nodded.

Soma turned around walked back to Tolaris.

"Satisfied?"

"My Communication's officer has verified the disc is genuine and that the data encrypted on it has not been fabricated."

"Well Captain." said Tolaris as he walked past him "If there is nothing else, I'd like to see T'Pol. We have some...old times to catch up on."

Soma looked at the Vulcan for a moment as Tolaris' words resonated in his mind.

"There is one other small matter we need to deal with." said the Captain finally
"Some unfinished business."

"And what might that be Captain?" asked Tolaris

"This" said Soma who promptly slugged the Vulcan with a right cross that sent him careening backwards, over the railing and onto the deck.

Everyone on the bridge immediately stood up, including Trip Tucker who was explicitly ordered not to. He didn't give a damn, his Captain had just slugged the son of a bitch he had been wanting to since the moment Tolaris had stepped on the bridge.

The blow had caused Tolaris to flip over the railing landing squarely on his face. Green blood began to trickle from his nose and lip. Still stunned, he managed to steady himself and rose to all fours as Captain Soma approached him. Looking up at Soma, he could see the Vulcan captain through bleary eyes.

Soma looked down at Tolaris with white hot rage. "Get the hell off my ship!"

Soma held his gaze on the bloodied face of Tolaris "Mr. Reed!"

Reed snapped to attention "Sir?"

"Our 'guest' is departing. See that he finds his way."

"Aye sir." replied the armory officer as he rounded his station and came
up behind Soma.

Almost immediately Tolaris began to rise to his feet. As soon as he was standing he started to move towards Soma. Lt. Reed stepped in front of the Captain raising the phase pistol he had been concealing out of view.

Reed pointed the phase pistol at Tolaris' midsection. "I wouldn't."

The Vulcan stopped abruptly looking down at the phase pistol and then up
at Soma.

"You hide behind the humans for protection?" spat Tolaris "Coward!"

"You've got it all wrong." replied Soma coolly "Mr. Reed is here for your benefit."

The Captain turned towards Reed. "Lieutenant, get him out of my site before I finish the job."

"Gladly sir.'" replied the armory officer as he waved his phase pistol
towards the turbo lift "I'd move if I were you. "

Tolaris glared at Soma for one last moment. Soma returned the stare in kind until Reed Tolaris in the direction of the turbo lift. "Let's go."

Soma watched as Tolaris was led across the bridge and finally into the turbo lift. Once the doors closed, he let out an audible sigh. It had taken much to keep from strangling Tolaris. Soma would have done it and not lost any sleep over the matter. It wasn't even the fact that it went against his code as a Starfleet officer. It came down to one thing alone...she wouldn't have approved.

"Chief, take the conn. I'll be in my quarters." said Soma as he crossed the bridge "Hoshi, work on that disc. I want it analyzed inside and out."

"Yes, sir" replied the Ensign

Trip Tucker came around the engineering station as he called out to Captain Soma. "Captain."

Soma stopped hesitantly and turned towards his Chief Engineer "Yes Chief?"

"Beggin yer pardon, sir, but what the hell was that all about?"

Soma looked down at the deck plating for a moment and then at Tucker. "Family business," he said smiling weakly. "You have the bridge Chief"

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Chapter 36

T'Pol stopped in front of Captain Soma's quarters. She placed her hand against the signal chime and then hesitated; drawing her hand back. What was it about this man that caused
such conflict within her? She was a Vulcan and he was a fellow Vulcan...a kinsman. No, he was much more than that. She could sense it, but couldn't explain it...not logically.

She placed her hand to the chime once more, but this time the hesitation was gone. She paused momentarily, awaiting a response. Almost suddenly, the door slid open and Captain Soma stood in the doorway. A look of surprise came over his features as he saw who was paying him a visit.

"Sub Commander, what brings you here at this late hour?"

"I'm not intruding, Captain?" she asked him almost apologetically.

"Not at all." he answered shaking his head "I'm a night owl."

T'Pol looked at him with a quizzical expression and Soma smiled.

"An Earth expression used to describe someone who stays awake into the late hours like the Earth bird."

"I see." she replied

Soma's own expression changed to one of a questioning nature. He really was surprised to see T'Pol on his doorstep." Is there something I can do for you Sub Commander?"

She looked at him for a brief moment before replying "May I come in for a moment, Captain?"

"Of course." he replied, stepping aside to let her in.

T'Pol walked into the dimly lit room. She glanced around noticing how Spartan the room was, but then Captain Soma had only arrived a short while ago and his stay was only temporary. She glanced down and noticed a candle and a makeshift rug. "I wasn't interrupting your meditation Captain?"

"No, I finished a few hours ago. I was reading a book
Commander Tucker loaned me."

Glancing at the end table, T'Pol reached down and picked up the book reading the title aloud "The Further Chronicles of Conan"

T'Pol looked up at Soma "A historical Earth figure of some note?"

Soma smiled at the Vulcan in spite of himself "Something like that."

T'Pol put the book down and turned towards the passing stars outside the view port. She remained quiet at she watched the pinpoints of light streak by.

Soma looked at her questioningly as he cocked his head to one side
"So what's on your mind Sub Commander?"

She remained silent a few moments longer. She didn't look at him when she finally replied. "I spoke with Lt. Reed this afternoon. He informed me what happened on the bridge between you and Tolaris."

"I see." said Soma not sounding surprised

She turned away from the window and looked at Captain Soma. His chiseled features were silhouetted by the shadows of the rooms low lighting.

"Why did you do it Captain?"

Soma looked at T'Pol for a moment and then shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe I thought he had it coming." he said "or maybe I just didn't like the man."

T'Pol gave a hard swallow "You knew I had a history with Tolaris." said T'Pol "That's why you chose not to tell me he would be coming aboard....why you assigned me to duty that would take me away from the bridge while he was aboard."

Soma simply nodded.

T'Pol looked down in thoughtful contemplation. She still failed to grasp why this man would choose to keep Tolaris from seeing her. Logically there were two possibilities "Were you trying to spare me from having to see Tolaris again or from seeing what you might do to him?"

Soma let out a low sigh "A little of both I suppose." he admitted "I actually hadn't intended to hit him, but he was such a smug bastard...."

He stopped and took a deep breathe. T'Pol looked at his face and saw twinge of pain in his features. She realized immediately that pain was for her.

"Thank You." she said softly

Soma looked up at her. This time he was surprised and didn't hide it.

"Your right" she said swallowing hard "He did... 'have it coming'."

The pained look he had increased as he saw the sorrow in her eyes. This was a part of her life she found difficult to put behind her. He took a step towards her but stopped unsure if he was welcome.

"I'm sorry." she said as he remained quiet and motionless

"I have treated you with disrespect and disgust since you came aboard." she said pausing unable to look at him "I had no right to do that or to question your authority...your heritage. You are a good man Jonathan Soma."

"Your right." he said "You have treated me very badly since I've arrived."

She looked up at him meekly as his words threatened to overwhelm her
in her own shame.

"But I understand why." he added "It's not easy seeing the parts of yourself your uncertain of."

She looked at him unable to conceal her surprise.

"Oh, T'Pol" he sighed "So many questions, but so few answers. That's what brought you aboard Enterprise wasn't it? A need for answers about yourself. Questions you had been asking yourself since you were old enough to realize you were different from other Vulcans."

She stared at him in disbelief. This man...this stranger was telling her things about herself that she had only started to acknowledge to herself.

"I understand what your...feeling" he told her "You looked among your own kind for answers, but found none. Then along came those humans. Illogical, egotistical, arrogant, inquisitive, courageous passionate humans. For all their flaws they were able to do something no Vulcan could; give you answers."

She nodded her head meekly in response.

"But the longer you stay among them the more you fear you will betray what it means to be Vulcan." "

She moved towards him, closing the distance to mere inches. Looking up into his gentle features she asked the question that resonated in her mind "Who are you?"

Soma hesitated for a moment as he contemplated the ramifications of the truth. He wanted to tell her who he was. What he was... but he knew he could not. "I'm...a friend." he said finally "If your looking for one."

T'Pol studied Soma's face. She knew there was more to the man than he was willing or able to say. She wanted to ask him once more, but chose not to. She decided she would respect this man's decision. "I would like that very much."

The two Vulcan's stared at one another for several moments before T'Pol spoke "I should go Captain. I am due on the bridge in a few minutes."

Soma shook his head "I'm here if you want to talk."

"Thank you Captain." she replied nodding slightly. She turned and began to walk towards the door, but stopped and turned abruptly."

"Captain"

"Yes?"

"If you find that I still deserve the distinction. I would find it very agreeable to be your Number One."

Soma smiled at her "I think we can arrange that."

"Goodnight Captain."

"Goodnight Number One."

T'Pol exited the Captain's quarters making her way down the corridor to the turbo lift. Her bridge duty was do to start in a few minutes and she made it a rule to never be late. As she rounded the bend in the corridor, she stopped when she saw who had just exited the turbo lift.

Commander Tucker had just gotten off double shifts. He and his staff had been making repairs to the damage inflicted in the battle with the Suliban formation. He had to give Captain Soma credit, the man certainly had Captain Archer beat hands down when it came to all the repairs he and his staff had to do when Soma took them into combat. Tucker was looking forward to a shower and some much needed rest in his quarters. Looking up as he exited the lift he saw Sub commander T'Pol standing in the middle of the corridor.

Tucker walked down the narrow corridor. He intended to side step the Vulcan, but she moved to block his way. "Commander"

"Your in my way Sub Commander."

"I-I wish to speak with you."

He looked at her a moment. She almost seemed timid. It immediately resonated in him and in spite of his anger he couldn't walk away.

"I wish to apologies for my behavior the other night."

Tucker shook his head "Inn't me you should be apologisin' to."

"I have spoken to Captain Soma." she replied "We have...resolved our differences."

"I see...well that's good. Capn's a good man"

"Yes he is....I-I wish to resolve OUR differences as well."

"Nothin' to resolve T'Pol. I was mad at ya...but I could never stay mad. Your my friend T'Pol...I..." he stopped as he looked in her eyes. The deep black pools glistened and he was sure tears were threatening to fall.

Swallowing hard, Trip Tucker leaned closer so that they were mere inches
from one another "T'Pol...I-I.."

She looked into his face and suddenly nothing else seemed to matter
except him "Charles...."

Then suddenly an alert claxon broke them from their revelry as the sound of Lt. Reed's voice blared through the ship's intercom "Red Alert, all hands battle stations!"

Trip Tucker was about to hit the comm unit on the wall when he saw Captain Soma round the corner.

"Cap'n, what's goin' on?"

"Three Vulcan warships just dropped out of warp. They have their weapons armed and locked on Enterprise."

Tucker's eyes opened wide "What?!"

T'Pol looked at Soma unable to hide her shock

"Number One, your with me. Chief..."

"I'm already on my way." said Tucker "I'll see what I can do to increase the power to the hull platin' and phase cannons, but I'm not sure if it's gonna help against three Vulcan battle cruisers."

"Do what you can Chief." replied Soma "Let's go T'Pol"

-----------------------------------------
Captain Soma and Sub Commander T'Pol exited the turbo lift. T'Pol took up her station and Soma rounded the bridge railing to the command
chair

"Report" he ordered

"Captain, they've assumed positions port, starboard, and aft." replied Reed "They have us surrounded and their weapons are locked on us. They've been hailing us...demanding to speak to Captain Archer. I've been stalling, but I know how much longer they'll hold out."

"Hoshi, open a channel."

The comm officer activated the ship's comm system "Open sir."

"This is Captain Soma of the Starfleet vessel Enterprise. Why are you takin' g a hostile stance against my ship?"

The view screen flashed momentarily and then a face very familiar to the Enterprise officers filled the screen

"This is Ambassador Soval. Who are you and where is Captain Archer?"

"Captain Archer has been temporarily reassigned. In the interim I have been placed in command of the Enterprise."

Soval eyed Soma skeptically "I am unfamiliar with your name. By whose authority are you acting as 'Captain'."

"I'm afraid I cannot tell you that Ambassador. I have been assigned here for a secret mission by the High Command. The nature of which is highly classified."

Soma knew this eras Vulcan High Command often conducted clandestine operations of a highly sensitive and secret nature. Operations that even high ranking dignitaries such as Ambassador Soval were not privy to. It would be difficult to check on.

Soma approached the viewer "Now... why are three Vulcan battle cruisers surrounding my ship with weapons charged?"

Soval stared at Soma for a moment. The Ambassador was not satisfied with the Vulcan Captain's explanation, but there would be time enough to verify or refute it. "Because Captain...as of 2200 hours yesterday, a Starfleet warship attacked and destroyed the Vulcan ship's T'Mir and Solen...killing all 600 Vulcan's aboard the two ships"

T'Pol stood up from her station "Surely there must be a mistake Ambassador?"

"There is no mistake Sub Commander." explained Soval "Nor is there any doubt as to the intentions behind the act...a clear and deliberate act of war against Vulcan by the Earth."

"Captain Soma...you are hereby ordered to surrender your ship and her crew as prisoners of war. If you do not do so immediately, I will give the order to destroy the Enterprise."

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Continue to Part 14 (Chapters 37-38)

Return to Part 12 (Chapters 33-34)

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A handful of people have made comments

WOW! Didn't you cram a lot in this chapter? I absolutely loved the bit where Captain Soma knocked Tolaris on his pointy face then kicked him off the Enterprise. Then to finish on such a dramatic high note is superb. I just love the way this story is going. Well done and thanks for such an engrossing piece of fan fiction. How will I survive until the next part? Ali D :~)

Yay! I love this story and was very happy to see more chapters today. You've done an excellent job developing the character of Soma along with creating a complex story. Happy sigh! Keep writing!

Wow! I just love this story, and I'm glad to see that you're continuing it. And Soval showing up? I did not see that coming. Keep up the great writing!

Well, where is the rest of it??????

Congrats on winning the Unfinished category of the 2002 ASC Awards! However, don't let the award go to your head :D . More please!

Congrats again.