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Gateway-Part 26Gateway Author: Quills Contact: the_quill_pen@yahoo.com ************************ Chapter fifty (CONCLUSION) Captain 's personal log...this will be my final entry as Captain of this starship 'Enterprise'. With the combined efforts of two starships 'Enterprise' the plans of the renegade Suliban, Silik, have been stopped and Earth is safe. Deaths and injuries aboard both ships were fortunately few although I was informed Captain Soma was seriously injured during the battle. However, it would appear he will make a full recovery and is awaiting transfer of command back to the 'Enterprise-C'. Enough of the ship's systems have been repaired to allow her and her crew to return to the 24th century. The door chime rang just as Archer finished his recording. Looking up he called to the door. "Come in." The door slid open and Archer's exec, Rachel Garrett, stepped into her Captain's office. "John, Captain Soma has signaled that he's ready to transport over." "Well, we don't want to keep the Captain waiting," said Archer with a smile as he rose from his desk. Making his way around the desk, he paused for a moment, and turned back. Leaning over the surface, he tapped an oblong crystal sitting next to the desk monitor. The crystal lit up as a miniature 3-dimensional image appeared from the crystal. The image contained three people who Archer was quite familiar with. He smiled and looked up at Garrett who was grinning at her Captain. "Nice to know you age gracefully." Archer tapped the crystal control and the image faded. Standing up, he took a deep breath. "Alright, now I'm ready." Garrett smiled and the two officers made their way out of the Captain's room and onto the bridge. Archer walked down the main steps to the command section, stopping next to the command chair. Garrett looked over at Archer. "You'll need to transfer the command codes before you leave." Archer smiled at Garrett. "Not yet," he said tapping the log button on the command chair. "Captain's log, before relinquishing command of the 'Enterprise-C', I wish to make a formal notation in the ship's log entry that the command crew of the starship 'Enterprise', NCC-1701-C, comported themselves with distinction during battle and their valiant efforts were instrumental in defeating the Suliban threat. It is my recommendation, as acting Captain, that this be formally noted in each of their records." Archer tapped the log button once more as he ended his entry. Turning toward Garrett, he smiled briefly before glancing upward. "Computer...Captain Jonathan Archer relinquishes command of USS Enterprise NCC-1701-C to Commander Rachel Garrett. Transfer all command authority and command codes...voice recognition Tucker...Zulu..Alpha...three." "Voice recognition confirmed." responded the computer "command authority is transferred to Commander Rachel Garrett." Archer climbed the steps to the upper command section as he made his way to the tactical station. "Mr. Vendi, its been a pleasure serving with you." said Archer extending his hand. Vendi took the man's hand and clasped it firmly. "The pleasure was mine, Captain." Glancing over Vendi's should, the Captain saw the Bolian astro physics officer, Mr. Tol. Nodding, to Vendi, the Captain stepped around the tactical station and approached the Bolian. "Mr. Tol, I wanted to thank you for the job you did locating the 'Kirk'. I've made a special notation in my log entry and a recommendation to Captain Soma that he find work for you closer to the bridge...if that's what you want." The Bolian smiled sheepishly. "T-Thank you sir...I-I was just doing what I was trained to do." Archer smiled at the Bolian and nodded his head. "I'm ready Commander." "I'll escort you to transporter room one," smiled Garrett. "Travis is waiting there for us." Archer sighed when he heard the word transporter. Looking over at Vendi, he could see the man was doing his best to hold back a smile. Shaking his head, Archer headed for the turbo lift. "Lead the way."
Soval sat on the floor of his room in quiet meditation. It had been some time since his last meditation period and he found that there was much which occupied his thoughts; not least of which was his daughter, T'Pol. He had struggled with the fact that she had chosen to side with the humans, whom she had come to serve with, over her own father. However, Captain Soma's words distressed him even more so. Could there be truth in what the Captain had said? Had he some how driven his daughter away from him and in doing so alienated himself from her? The chime at the door brought Soval's mind back to a conscious state. Returning his features to a masque of Vulcan reserve, he opened his eyes and called to the person outside, "Enter." The door slid open, allowing the light from the corridor to filter into the dimly lit room. The face of the figure outside was obscured by the shadows as the person lingered in the corridor as if uncertain if they were welcome. Finally moving forward, the features of the visitor were exposed in the low lighting of the room. "T'Pol" said Soval with a slight tremor of surprise. "Father," she started, hesitating briefly."...I thought you would wish to know that we will be rendezvousing with the cruiser 'T'Sol' once Captain Archer is aboard 'Enterprise'. He is to resume command from Captain Soma." "Then I imagine your Captain Soma, from the future, will be leaving?" 'Your Captain Soma', the words resonated in T'Pol's mind and for the first time the clarity of the last few hours seem to coalesce for her, bringing a sense of understanding to her questions. Soval rose to his feet and approached his daughter. He studied her intently as he noticed that she had become preoccupied with something. He surmised it was Soma which now occupied her immediate thoughts, but was uncertain what those thoughts were. "I was told Captain Soma had been injured," said Soval attempting to bridge a conversation. "Has he recovered?" T'Pol looked at her father in surprise at the almost compassionate tone the question had taken. "Yes," she replied. "He is well and will be leaving once Captain Archer is aboard." "The Captain appears to have an interest in your welfare," said Soval as he eyed his daughter for a reaction. "He visited me shortly before 'Enterprise' was attacked and saw fit to...'enlighten' me as to my relationship with you daughter. He suggested that I have somehow alienated myself from you." T'Pol looked away from Soval. She knew Soma had visited her father, the mind meld had revealed as much, but she had been uncertain what had transpired between the two men. The sharing of minds proved to be not only unsettling, but for many things...confusing and unclear. "I do not appreciate a stranger judging me, especially when it comes to matters which are private," said Soval. "However, I would hear your thoughts on the matter." "Father...I..." she began, uncertain what to say to him. "Speak plainly with me daughter." She looked at Soval as she wrestled with her fears. She wanted to speak, but her feelings were a conflicted mass of emotions and she was uncertain how to proceed on. Slowly, she straightened herself as she looked at her father." You are one of Vulcan's greatest diplomats. You have served Vulcan and done it's people a great service. You have become a living icon," she said, choosing each word carefully. "I hold you in the highest regard knowing you are a great man and my father...but...there have been times when I would have preferred you were not so great a man...and more my father." Soval's features remained expressionless as he digested this apparently new information. "I see...and does your mother also share this view." "I cannot speak for Mother," said T'Pol. "But she has expressed your presence as being keenly Soval reflected on his daughter’s words as he turned his attention to the star field. Had he been so blind to his family? Had his duty and commitment to his work truly alienated him from them as Soma had suggested? "Why have you never told me this before," he asked as he turned abruptly and faced T'Pol once again. "B-because I did not wish to be the one who robbed Vulcan of your services," she replied with more emotion than she had wished. "The needs of the many...." "Out way the needs of the few," he said completing the quote. Soma had been right. 'Damn him' thought Soval. 'Damn him for being right and damn me for being a fool.' "I am sorry T'Pol," said Soval in quiet resignation. "I am sorry that I have not been a good father and husband to you and your mother. All I have been is a fool." "No father..." "T'Pol...all the things I have done...all the accomplishments were for you and your mother. "No...you may have lost site of us," she said. "But you will never lose us." Soval looked at his daughter, unable to conceal the anguish on his face and the pain in his Vulcan heart. "Daughter...can you forgive a father's foolishness." T'Pol reached out to Soval as she gently rested her hand on his chest. "I can always forgive you because you are my father." Soval straightened and for a moment T'Pol thought she saw a smile on the old Vulcan's face, but as quickly as it might have been there it was gone. "My daughter...I am very...proud of you. You are a person of remarkable ability...and understanding." "I have learned from the very best Vulcan has to offer," she replied. "Perhaps, you will dine with me before the 'T'Sol' arrives?" "I would like that very much father," she said respectfully. "I-I must go father. Captain Archer is due to arrive in a few minutes and Captain Soma will be departing." Soval shook his head. "I understand...we will speak later. Please express my appreciation to Captain Soma. Whether he is from the future or not, he is man of remarkable ability and I owe him a debt which can never be truly re-paid." _______________________________________________________________________ Captain archer and Commander Garrett entered the transporter room as the doors parted. Waiting for them was Travis Mayweather, sitting down on the transporter pad. "Well keep a guy waiting, Captain," said Travis as he stood up. "Travis, I want to thank you," said Archer. "Lt. O’Neil told me how you helped her repair crew out during the battle." "Well...I guess what they say it true, sir," replied Travis. "You can take the boy out of Starfleet, but you can't take Starfleet out of the boy." Archer looked at the older Travis for a moment. Studying his features he wanted to have a clear memory of the seasoned man his young ensign would become. "Captain Mayweather," said Archer respectfully as he extending his hand. Travis looked down for a moment in embarrassment and then meekly took the hand. "Captain Archer...I'm glad I got to see you again sir." "You take care of yourself Travis." "You too John." Mayweather looked past Archer at Commander Garret who was waiting next to the transporter while the two men said their farewells. Smiling at her, he took as step back. "Well, I think I need to get going," said Mayweather not trying to hide his attempt to make an exit. "I think I hear Lt. O’Neil calling for me. Have a safe trip Captain." Archer smiled as Travis exited and the doors closed behind him. "Now what was all that abou...," he started as he turned back to Garrett who silenced his question with a kiss. Archer moved his hands to her shoulders, deepening the kiss as they both made the moment linger. Rachel stepped back and smiled at Archer. "I'm going to miss you John." "You know where I am," smiled Archer. "You can always come and visit." She gave him a smirk, "Get your butt on that transporter Captain." Garrett turned and stepped over to the transporter console as Archer stepped up onto the pad. Looking over at his former XO, he smiled one more time. "I'll always remember you." "Why, not...I'm unforgettable." she said with grin and activated the transporter. *********************** The familiar hum and cascade of shimmering light filled the forward section of the NX-01's bridge. The dancing shower of energy coalesced until the all to familiar but long absent form of Jonathan Archer materialized. Archer took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm never going to get used to that," he sighed. "Cap'n!" a voice shouted out from across the bridge. Archer instantly recognized the voice belonging to his long time friend and Chief Engineer, Charles Tucker. Archer turned to the engineer and gave the man a smile. He had missed his old friend and it was good to hear his voice again. Another voice from across the bridge pulled his attention away from the Chief Engineer. "Welcome back, Captain," said the voice in a subdued tone. Archer turned and smiled at the woman who had just exiting the turbo lift. "It's good to be back, T'Pol." Archer's smile lingered for a moment and then he moved his attention to the man sitting in the Captain's chair. He raised his brow in mock Vulcan style. "I believe your in my chair." Soma grinned as he vacated the seat. "Just keeping it warm for you," retorted the Vulcan. "Actually, I was afraid you weren't coming back. Not after commanding the 'Enterprise-C'." "Well...I was tempted to stay," said Archer moving towards his chair. "She's a hell of a ship...but she already has a Captain." Soma gave Archer a slight nod as they switched places and Archer stood next to his command chair. "What about you?" asked Archer. "How was commanding my Enterprise." Soma looked around the bridge and raised a brow. "Frankly, I'm happy to be rid of her." Archer cocked his head and gave Soma a subtle smile. "An outmoded vessel with primitive systems and a crew that gets into more trouble than any other in the history of Starfleet," added Soma sarcastically. "I'll be happy to get back to a nice safe 24th century." "They're a good crew," responded Archer smiling. "The best," agreed Soma returning the smile. Archer looked around the bridge taking in the damage for the first time. He could see the scorch marks from the bridge fire and open conduits still in need of repair. Looking at Soma he gave the Captain a mock look of disapproval. "I would have liked to have gotten her back in the same shape I left her in." He was genuinely distressed by the condition of his ship, but he knew full well Soma was returning to a ship that wasn't exactly in top form either. "Oh, it looks worse than it really is," quipped Soma. "Nothing a fresh coat of paint and six weeks in dry dock won't fix." "Last time I give you the keys," replied Archer with a smile. Archer's smile disappeared and he looked at Soma for a moment before he spoke.” I owe you Captain; you brought my crew and my ship through this in one piece. I won't forget that." Soma smiled at Archer stood and extended his hand. "It's been my privilege Captain...and I had help," replied Soma. Archer took Soma's hand and clasped it firmly. He had wished he could have gotten to know this man better, but he had the felling if history held it's course and what Travis Mayweather's older self had told him, he would become a part of Archer and his crews lives soon enough. Soma looked around the bridge at the officers who were, for a time, his crew. "If you don't mind Captain," said Soma. "I'd like to say my goodbyes." Archer simply nodded and stood aside. He knew how difficult it was saying goodbye. Soma walked up the steps and over to the tactical station. "Mr. Reed" he said extending his hand. Reed took his former Captain's hand. "Captain, I just want to say that..." Reed started, pausing for a moment "I didn't trust you when you first took Captain Archer's place, but you've proved yourself to this crew sir. I hope you'll accept my apology and my thanks...you saved my life." Soma smiled and shook his head. "Nothing to apologies about Malcolm. I wouldn't have trust me either. That's why your the armory officer and for the record...you got me back here so I'd say we were even." "Yes sir," replied Reed. "Take care Captain." Soma smiled and turned to Doctor Phlox, who was standing at the railing behind the Captain's chair. "Doctor," he said not extending his hand knowing full well the Denobulin discomfort with physical contact. Phlox gave Soma a broad smile that seemed to distort the doctor’s features. "It's been...interesting Captain," said the Doctor. "Indeed," replied Soma. The crew glanced at one another wondering exactly what Soma and the Doctor were obviously alluding to. "You'll be happy to know I have carried out your final orders," added the Doctor. This attracted Archer's attention as he turned and gave Phlox a quick glance. Soma smiled, "I never doubted you for a minute Doctor." Phlox simply smiled and nodded. Soma turned around to face his former Chief Engineer. "Well Chief," said Soma extending his hand. "This is goodbye." "Yes sir," said Tucker shaking Soma's hand. "We're gonna miss ya Cap'n." Soma stared at the engineer a moment before straightening. This took Trip Tucker by surprise and Soma seemed on the verge of saying something but as he always did...he kept his secrets to himself. "It was an honor to serve with you Mr. Tucker," replied Soma. "It's meant...meant more to me than you'll ever know." Trip Tucker gave Soma an odd look, but Soma just smiled. "Take care of yourself Chief." "You too Cap'n," replied Tucker. "and Cap'n...I'll remember what ya told me over that drink." Soma gave Tucker a smile and a nod. He crossed the bridge coming to a stop in front of the communications station. The diminutive Ensign sat nervously at her station as the Vulcan approached her. "Well Hoshi, this is goodbye," said Soma. "I-I'll miss you sir," she said nervously. "It was a privilege to serve with you." Soma smiled and leaning down, moving his head close to Hoshi's. Leaning in, to the surprise of the bridge crew, he kissed the young Ensign's cheek. Pulling away, Soma noticed several curious looks from the bridge crew and a very flushed look on Ensign Hoshi Sato. "Goodbye Hoshi." Turning once again, Soma found himself looking at his long time friend to be, Travis Mayweather. "Travis," he said extending his hand once more. Travis Mayweather let out an audible sigh as he stood. "I never liked saying goodbye," he replied as he took Soma's hand. "I won't forget you sir." "Your a good man Travis," said Soma. "Your going to make a good officer." Travis looked at Soma and smiled. "Thank you sir." Soma turned slowly towards the science station where T'Pol had been sitting through his farewells. He looked at the Vulcan for a moment and she returned his gaze. Then to the surprise of both Soma and the bridge crew, T'Pol stood from her chair and stepped down from the upper deck walking up to Captain Soma. She stopped inches away from him and the two Vulcan's faced one another for a moment. The bridge crew watched wondering what was going on. Then, suddenly T'Pol reached out to Soma and pulled him to her as she hugged him tightly. The senior staff looked at one another in surprise but said nothing. T'Pol hugged the elder Vulcan tightly as she whispered to him softly ."Safe journey Jonathan...my son." He returned the embrace as mother and son lingered in their farewell. When they parted, Soma put his hand to her cheek and smiled. Then with a turn he walked to the front of the bridge. Taking one last look around, he let out a small sigh and turning to the comm. station giving one last order. "Ensign, open a channel." Hoshi tapped her console and nodded to Soma. "Soma to 'Enterprise-C'...Energize" A low hum emanated from the front of the bridge and a cascade of light formed around Soma as it's intensity grew. The light began to sparkle and streak as his form began to dissolve into the shooting beams of light until, after several seconds, he was no longer there. The bridge remained quiet for several seconds as though a moment of silence were being observed for a lost comrade. After several moments, Trip Tucker broke the silence.” Do you think we'll ever see him again, Cap'n?" Archer looked at his friend for a moment and then turned to T'Pol. Who was looking at the Starfleet vessel moving off on the view screen. "I'd say its inescapable," he smiled. T'Pol looked at Archer for a moment and then at Commander Tucker. Tucker did a double take. He could swear he saw the Vulcan smile. He must have been mistaken he thought because Vulcan's don't smile. Tucker frowned. "You know somethin' the rest of us don't Cap'n?" "I'm afraid that just one your going to have to wait for Trip," replied the Captain. "Besides, I think its time we got under way ourselves. Travis Mayweather turned to his console. "Course heading sir." Archer smiled, "Resume our mission ensign." Mayweather tapped in the course coordinates that would put them back on their exploratory course. "Laid in and ready sir." "Then engage warp engines Travis," ordered the Captain. "I believe we have some history to make."
Return to Part 25 (Chapter 49) Have a comment to make about this story? Do so in the Trip Fan Fiction forum at the HoTBBS! A whole mess of folks have made comments(drumroll here.... trumpets blare) Quills, this was great! And I'm so glad you're planning to continue with Soma and time-travel... :) What a great story! I can't wait until the next one. Oh Wow Quills this was terrific! I just adore Soma and that bit at the end where T'Pol hugs him - where are the darn kleenex when you need them? I am dancing on a sixpence at your comment that they will all be returning in a new adventure 'Enemy of the State'. Well done and much kudos to you for such a wonderful story, Ali D :~) Ah, *fainting away* what a wonderful story. The end with Soma and T`Pol just made me: THUD! Although - I must admit - I thought there would be a bit more and some more "signs" to the developing relationship of Trip/T`Pol (I know, I know, a son should be enough...), but I´d liked to read some more. But perhaps this will be in your new fic? Very nice ending. Everything seemed to wrap up in an sensible way. Although I enjoyed this one *very* much, I'm not sure I can say the same about a sequel. It will be interesting what you do to make a second time travel story - with the same characters - not seem contrived. The end was worth the wait! Well done! And I'm very pleased to know that Soma will return...what an excellent character you've created. And it's to your credit that Soval ended up revealing his true self in a very believeable way. Thanks for the great story! Are you sure we're not supposed to pay money to read this book?? Because it was worthy of being published. Great Job! Eeeeeeeeee! That was wonderful! Not as much T/T as I'd hoped, but Cpt Soma more than made up for it! I LOVE him! Can't wait to see him return! I really enjoyed this, Soma is a wonderful character. The ending with Tpol was very nice, but what about Trip. The scene between Tpol and Soma in the mind meld seems to indicate that Trip is dead and not too far into the future as Soma was only a boy and said that his father was "gone" a long time. I hope you add a bit more of the T/T relationship in your sequel and don't kill Trip off too soon.!! Thanks for a great story. Ocean....no Trip lives a normal human life span. The meld sequence was surreal and you can't Thanks for clearing that up. Once Trip will be around for a long time I'm happy. that was awesome! I can't believe T'Pol hugged him, well I can, but I can't believe that. You are a great writer, and this story was fenominal. Mrs. Tucker Very good story. Your pacing and sense of drama was excellent. However, I suggest you beta your stories as you did have a bit of confusion between your and you're. Very good story. Your pacing and sense of drama was excellent. However, I suggest you beta your stories as you did have a bit of confusion between your and you're. Very good story. Your pacing and sense of drama was excellent. However, I suggest you beta your stories as you did have a bit of confusion between your and you're. Loved it! -- I read all 25 parts in one sitting. Wow! I'm speechless. I loved, loved, LOVED this story. I, too, read all of this in one sitting. You did a fantastic job bringing a colorful original character to life. Soma was a joy to read, a true mix of both his parents. The plot was truly original, and I enjoyed how you linked it to TOS and TNG in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. I look forward to reading many more of your stories. For some reason I was prepared to not like this series but all I can say now is, nice bro, very nice. If Captain Archer were written as well as Soma, people wouldn't miss Kirk as much. This guy rocks like a BIGdog and frankly, is a character who I could easily see replacing Archer on the show. Stuff I dug: Soma cold cocking Tolaris, and his all around self-assuredness, a trait that is missing in Jonathan Archer. T'Pol admitting that vengence felt 'nice', and agreeing to allow Herself to be called 'Number One'. That made me give an 'air' high five. Reed getting to re-capture Soval and Soma's subsequent punking of the old Vulcan. The way you let us know T'Pol was his daughter, and her making up with Soval. Travis' tragic story, and the way you included several other crewmembers on both ships, especially Rachel Garrett. 'Yesterday's Enterprise' is one of my favorite TNG episodes and Garrett is my favorite female captain. I could easily see you writing for the show. Good luck with that. Oh, and anytime you feel like finishing "2084", there is an audience waiting. 8^) Good God, Quills, Why haven't I read this before now? Two words. POCKET BOOKS. Think about it! By far, I believe I can say that this is the best Star Trek fanfic I've ever read. I was crying at the end! I've never done that with a fanfic before! This is absolutely beautiful. You should publish this. Seriously. You're beginning to rival Peter David! *sneaks over to "Enemy of the State"* Holy MOLY! I just discovered this... WOW!!!!! I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!! Dutifully moving on to the next story now. :-) Oh my god that was such a great story! Great Story !!!! Love every line of it!!!! Great Story !!!! Love every line of it!!!! |