Gateway-Part 25

Gateway

By Quills

Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Star trek and I derive no financial gain from this story.
Codes: A, T/Tu, Ma, S, R, P angst, drama, romance, humor, action/adventure
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'.

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Chapter Forty-nine

The doors to sickbay slid open and T'Pol was greeted by the site of a Doctor Phlox standing over the very still form of Captain Soma. Hurrying past the doors, T’Pol walked up to Phlox as she looked at the low levels on the bio-bed’s readout.

"Doctor?"

"I'm doing everything I can Sub-Commander," replied Phlox as he continued to run his instrument over the unresponsive Vulcan. "Now please." he added as he motioned her to step out of his way.

T'Pol reluctantly took several steps back, and turning to the other bio-bed as she noticed Lt. Reed was sitting up watching Phlox tend to Soma. "Lt. Reed, what happened?"

Reed's head snapped up when he heard T'Pol. Looking over at the Vulcan, he took a deep breathe and tried to explain. "We were trying to take engineering. The Captain and I were climbing the access stairwell when we heard a loud explosion. Before we could do anything, the whole deck started to shake and then the main hatch to engineering blew out."

T'Pol looked away as she digested Reed's account of what happened. Arching her brow, she voiced her correlation of the events. "That must have been when Captain Archer attacked the 'Kirk'."

"Captain Archer!?" said Reed jumping off the bio-bed "He's here?"

T'Pol shook her head. "Yes, apparently he has returned with Captain Soma's 'Enterprise'."

"What about the 'Kirk'?" asked Reed. "I heard the computer say something about a warp core breach."

"Destroyed," replied T'Pol coolly as her attention turned back to Captain Soma. Reed followed her gaze as they both watched Phlox administering what appeared to be the third hypo injection in the past minute.

"We could hear the bulk heads closing below us," said Reed as he continued his account. "We didn't have time to climb so we jumped. When we landed on the deck I found the Captain unconscious and bleeding from his forehead. He must have gotten hit by the bulkhead doors closing on the way down."

"I don't understand," said Phlox in frustration. "His wound isn't life threatening anymore and yet his vital signs are still dropping."

T'Pol approached Phlox once again, being mindful not to get in his way. "Doctor, there has to be something you can do."

"There is nothing to do." said Phlox. "I've repaired the damage he received to his head...it was a concussion...severe...but its no longer life threatening."

"So why are his life signs still falling?" asked Reed.

"I don't know," replied Phlox shaking his head. "I've tried stimulants, neuro-activators, even my Regulan bloodworm secretion isn't having an effect."

T'Pol studied the bio-bed readouts. "Could he have some other internal damage?"

"No, I've checked," answered Phlox. "Minor abrasions, cuts, bruises but nothing that should affect his vital signs like this. It's as if he's...given up."

Phlox's last statement prompted the Doctor to look at the Captain's vital signs more closely. He watched as the indicators slowly moved down the scale. "Oh, no."

"What?" said T'Pol not bothering to mask her emotions.

"I think I know what's wrong and if I'm right there is nothing I can do for him," said Phlox as he crossed the room and picked up another scanning instrument. Returning to the bio-bed, he passed the instrument over Soma's head several times and then looked at the readings.

"Just as I thought."

"What is it Doctor?" asked T'Pol

"He's gone into self arrest?" replied Phlox

"What?" said Reed not understanding half of what went on in humans, let alone Vulcans.

"It's a form of self healing Vulcans can initiate," replied T'Pol as she glanced at Reed.

"That's right," said Phlox in agreement. "It’s a defense mechanism for self preservation. All a Vulcan's energy and efforts are directed at repairing whatever life threatening injury they might have received."

"So is this a natural response for a Vulcan," asked Reed. "Are his vitals dropping part of it?"

"I'm afraid they're not." replied Phlox as he came around the bio-bed and brought up a visual scan of the Captain's cranium. "Because his conscious mind has become detached from his body he is no longer in control of his own internal stability. I saw this once when I spent time at a Vulcan medical facility. The patient had been wounded in a similar fashion...damage to the cranium. The Vulcan physicians tried everything to save him, but he was completely unresponsive. Just like Captain Soma."

"There has to be something you can do," said Reed.

"This is out of my realm, Mr. Reed," answered Phlox. "What's wrong is in his mind not his body."

Phlox turned to T'Pol. "Sub-Commander..."

T'Pol took a step back as Phlox spoke. She already knew what he was about to Suggest and the mere thought caused her to experience an increased anxiety. "I am not qualified to do what you are about to suggest."

"You do have some experience," countered Phlox.

"I would hardly call what I received from Tolaris...experience, Doctor."

"Sub-Commander, I realize what you went through was humiliating and painful," said Phlox trying to be sympathetic. "But the fact remains that you have at least an understanding of 'mind-melding'. You could reach into the Captain's mind."

Reed looked at Phlox and then T'Pol. So the rumors were true he thought. Tolaris had violated T'Pol in some way, though Reed didn't quite understand how. Nor was he certain what it was Phlox was asking T'Pol to do. Although he was quite certain, T'Pol was afraid.

T'Pol merely shook her head, unable to accept what she was being asked to do.

"You’re the only one who can," said Phlox.

"What about the other 'Enterprise'?" asked Reed. "Maybe they have a Vulcan on board."

"It is impossible to raise them," replied T'Pol in frustration. "Our comm. system is down."

"It wouldn't matter," said Phlox. "He doesn't have the time."

T'Pol looked at Phlox. "Doctor, if I attempt to reach his mind, I could kill him."

"If you don't try then he dies on this table right now!"

T'Pol looked from Soma to the diminishing vital signs and then back to Phlox. She looked at the ship’s doctor for a moment and than spoke. "Please stand aside, Doctor."

Phlox looked over at Reed. "Lt, let's give the Sub-Commander some room."

Phlox and Reed stepped over to the adjacent bio-bed as T'Pol came around to Soma's side. She looked down at the Captain as she placed her hands together nervously. She was not qualified to do this she thought to herself. It was a forbidden practice Vulcan’s had not engaged in for generations. If she made a mistake, she might kill of them. Glancing up at the vital signs one more time, T'Pol reached out hesitantly and touched her hand to Captain Soma's face. "My mind...too your mind."

____________________________________________________________________

T'Pol opened her eyes. The sudden change from impenetrable darkness to blinding light pained her eyes and she reflexively closed them as they began to tear. Fighting the urge to keep them closed, she opened her eyes, forcing them to see the world around her.

She was standing in an open field. There were trees off in the distance and a bright sun hung overhead. She recognized where she was almost immediately...Earth. Somewhere in the southeastern section of the Continent known as North America. In a place called Pensacola.

How did she know this, she mused. She had never been to this section of Earth. Yet it seemed so familiar to her. She looked around the field. All was quiet and still; an almost serene setting. How incongruitous to the always restless humans she thought. Then another thought entered her mind. Only this thought was not her own. It belonged to another.

She focused on the mind that had reached out to her. She sensed its owner was close. She also sensed it was frightened. Then she remembered she had melded with Captain Soma. He had been injured and Doctor Phlox had told her that the Captain's injuries were beyond his abilities and that his only hope was a mind meld. She was in the Captain's mind.

T'Pol's self-awareness had a dramatic effect on her. She became disoriented and felt lightheaded. She quickly asserted her mental discipline and regained control of her senses. She realized that she was in some form of mental construct created by Captain Soma. Perhaps as a subconscious effort to protect himself from the psychophysical stressors that were pressuring him.

She looked around once more. She could see no one within site, so she decided to walk in the direction of the trees. It was the most logical place to find the Captain since she couldn't see him in the open expanse and she didn’t have any other options...logical or otherwise.

As she headed for the trees her mind reached out for that of Captain Soma's. She could sense powerful emotions emanating from nearby, but she was unable to focus on them. She was not trained for this she thought to herself. Why did she ever agree to undertake such a dangerous venture? She chided herself for her own self doubt. There was no room for that now. The Captain's life was at stake and she knew his only chance lay with her.

She stopped in front of the grove. She could smell the sweet pungent aroma the trees' fruit produced...oranges. An Earth food Commander Tucker had introduced her to. One she had grown fond of. Then she remembered Pensacola. That was where Commander Tucker was from. Where she was right now. This was all Captain Soma's doing she thought, but why? Why would such a place be of interest to a Vulcan; no not a Vulcan.…a half Vulcan. The other half was human. Could this place be more than just a construct, she thought. Perhaps it was a virtual manifestation of an actual physical place.

T'Pol looked past the tree line as she tried to see any movement.

She called out. "Jonathan?" She stopped abruptly. Why had she called him that? He was her Captain. Stepping into the grove, she called out his name once more. "Jonathan".

She paused for a moment waiting for a response. When none came, she ventured further into the grove, navigating the winding path between the trees until she came to a small clearing. Looking past the trees into the clearing, she could see a small figure standing in the middle. As she approached the figure, she could see that it was a child...a Vulcan child.

"Jonathan?"

"Daddy always liked to bring me here." a tiny voice replied.

"Jonathan?" she said once again.

The Vulcan child turned and faced her. His complexion was somewhat lighter than most Vulcan's and his hair was a decided departure from the standard Vulcan form but his tell tale swept up brow and pointed ears made it quite obvious he was Vulcan.

"My name is T'Pol."

"I know," said the boy.

"What is this place, Jonathan?"

"This is the grove," he answered. "Daddy and I used to come here all the time."

"Used to?" said T'Pol. "Where is your father now, Jonathan?"

The boy's features wavered and a twinge of pain overcame them as he bit his lower lip. "Gone," replied the boy. "He's been gone a long time."

"I am...sorry." said T'Pol as a wave of sorrow washed over her. She took a deep breath as she struggled to fight off the emotions she was experiencing. The feelings were part of her but separate. They were not her feelings. They were his.

"Jonathan, do you know why I'm here?"

The little Vulcan didn’t answer her. He just looked into the grove As if he were waiting for something, but knew it would never come.

T’Pol was uncertain what was occurring. She was certain she was talking to Captain Soma or a childhood manifestation of him. The child seemed disconnected even in here, a place that should offer security. Perhaps that was the problem. It didn’t offer security. It offered escape, hiding his mind from reality. However, it’s now become a trap which will end up killing him if he doesn’t escape it.

"I would like you to take a walk with me," she said carefully. "Would you do that?"

The boy still didn’t respond and she considered taking him forcefully. However, she dismissed that option. She wasn’t certain, but she believed that mere physical action would not be enough. He would have to leave of his own free will.”

"Jonathan, you know this isn’t real," she said. "Don’t you"

The little Vulcan looked up at her, his eyes pooling with tears.

"Take my hand Jonathan,” she said holding it out for him. I won't leave you."

The boys lip trembled. "Ever?"

"You know I cannot promise you that," she told him. "We all must go when our time has come, but we leave a portion of ourselves behind with those we cared about and who cared about us."

"Daddy didn't leave anything."

"Yes, Jonathan" she replied. "He left you. You are living reminder of the best parts of him."

Suddenly a great wave of emotion washed over T'Pol as she felt a sense of loss and despair. She gasped as it threatened to overwhelm her. The feelings were not her own, but they felt like they should be her own and despite her best efforts tears began to form in her eyes as she looked at the child.

"Please don't cry," said Jonathan.

"Forgive me" she said as she wiped the tears from her face. "I am not used to such raw emotions."

She knelt down in front of him as she looked into his eyes. Feeling, emotions…memories Had all come flooding into her mind when her hand had touched his. It was the same sensation she had felt with Tolaris. Only this time the person she was with was giving to her and not taking. She took a deep breathe as she tried to make sense of the images and sensations in her mind. the ‘Enterprise’, Earth, Vulcan, Charles…Charles…she felt strong emotions at that name; both sadness and joy.

T’Pol looked at the little boy and the tears threatened to come to her Again. Fighting them of she put her hands on his shoulders, squeezing Him gently. "Jonathan, you are your father’s son,” she said softly. "When I look at you I see his reflection. He isn’t out here anymore because he’s in here." She said as she laid her hand on his chest. “He is within you, Jonathan. He is part of you and always will be.”

T’Pol lowered her head as she sighed. She had never experienced anything like this. It was all so overwhelming.

Jonathan looked at her with his large brown eyes. He could tell there was great sadness in her and that somehow he was responsible. He remembered that his father always cared about others. It’s what made him special. Reaching out he extended his hand to her. "Don't worry…you can hold my hand and everything will be all right."

T’Pol took the little Vulcan’s hand for a moment. Then taking it in her own, she held it with a determination as if never to let go of it again.

"Can we go home now?"

"Yes Jonathan, we can go home."
_____________________________________________________

T'Pol opened her eyes slowly. She could feel the weight of her body being supported by another. Turning her head, she saw the face of Malcolm Reed as he carried her to the adjacent bio-bed.

"Lieutenant?" she murmured.

"Relax Sub-Commander," he said reassuringly.

"What happened...." she stammered as she tried to think. "Jonathan!"

Reed grabbed the Vulcan as she collapsed. Whatever she had just done had taxed her physically and she was in danger of losing consciousness again.

"The Captain's going to be alright," said Reed as he grabbed her arm to steady her. "Doctor Phlox is running some tests..."

"I want to see him...now," said T'Pol as she broke Reed's grip.

T'Pol approached the bio-bed as Phlox was running a scanner over Soma. Looking over at the Vulcan, he gave her a smile.

"He's going to be just fine, Sub-Commander."

T'Pol swallowed hard as she tried to remain in control. "May I speak with him?"

Phlox hesitated for a moment and then nodded. "Just for a moment. You both need to rest."

T'Pol approached the bio-bed and paused, looking up at Phlox who was smiling once again. After several moments of here staring at him, he got the hint and made his way from the bed.

"Come on Lt, lets have a look at you," said Phlox as he hurried Reed to the adjacent room. "We'll have you fixed up in no time."

"Captain?" said T’Pol as she steadied herself against the bio-bed. "Captain,
can you hear me?"

She waited for a response, but when none came she looked up at the monitor. She was about to call Phlox back in when she heard him speak.

"You should listen to the Doctor?" he told her as he opened his eyes. Focusing on her he added. "You need to rest."

"Is that an order...Jonathan?"

"I'm still your Captain," he smiled.

"Yes, you are," she answered placing her hand on his.

Continue to Part 26 (Chapter 50, Conclusion)

Return to Part 24 (Chapter 48)

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Three people have made comments

Ooooooooo! Better and better! :) This is great, quills! I can't wait to "see" the thoughts T'Pol has when she's standing between Tucker and Soma, as they say good-bye at the airlock.

Will Soma tell Tucker? Will T'Pol? Has he guessed already? WOW!

Thanks for a great story!

Wow, now that great! And like Nikitee said, will Soma tell Trip, will T´Pol?! Post sooon!

Well I think T'Pol has figured it out, but will he own up to it? And what about Trip? And what about Archer?? Just keep it coming!!