Shadows - Ch 5

Shadows

By Triplover

Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don’t own this or the characters… Captain Soma is Quill’s character and I suppose I get to have the people I make up in this story but Star Trek… this is all yours!
Summary: When a time traveler from the future takes a trip into the past the future is forever changed and one man is determined to get back what was lost… no matter what the cost.

A/N: (and I have to give some credit where it’s due… none of this would have been written if it wasn’t for Quills since it was Quill’s idea in the first place and not to mention all the help there after!)

A/N: Okay first of all… this takes place AFTER the Xindi threat has already been taken care of. Got it? Okay… also this was an idea both Quills and I came up with. I didn’t steal anyone else’s work! This is the both of ours. Got that? Good! Just clearing that part up! Now on with ‘our’ story!!!!

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Chapter Five

Trip looked at Soma. The Vulcan had been staring at him off and on throughout breakfast. He wondered if Soma had been doing it during the meeting, but he hadn’t caught it till they started eating. There seemed to be a look in the man’s eye… as if he were reflecting on something. Trip shook his head. Whatever was on the captain’s mind, he didn’t think it was a pleasant memory. The look said it all.

Trip gave Soma a half smile as he pushed his chair back. “Well, that was good, but I gotta go,” he said, standing up. “I want to review a few things with Lieutenant Hess.”

Trip looked down at T’Pol, lightly brushing a hand over her shoulder. It was subtle, but both Archer and Soma caught it.

“Cap’n,” said Trip nodding, then he made his way to the door.

Archer nodded back, but Soma turned to T’Pol who watched as Trip left the room.

Archer straightened in his chair, turning to face Soma. He hadn’t wanted to press for answers while Trip was in the room. After all this time, his friend still didn’t know that man was his son. Until Soma or T’Pol decided to tell him, Archer knew that he would simply have to respect their wishes and remain silent. However, with Trip gone, Archer was free to question Soma openly. There were a great many things he felt Soma had not divulged in the shuttle bay. He decided now was the time for some direct questions.

“Jonathan, why do I have the feeling there’s more to this story than you’ve told us?” he said plainly. He hesitated, uncertain if he should ask his next question, but decided that he had very little choice. Not when the safety of his ship was involved. “Is Velik you?”

It was T’Pol who spoke up. “I agree,” she stated, “there are great many questions which require answers. Velik’s origin is clearly one of them.”

Soma gave T’Pol a mock wounded look. “I’m glad you think so highly of me, mother.”

“It is not a question of my opinion of you, Jonathan,” she replied with open frankness. “As my son, I do not believe you are capable of endangering an entire timeline just to satisfy your own personal ambitions.”

“It’s not that simple,” sighed Soma. “Imagine, your life: family, friends, maybe you’re married, have a child. You watch that child grow up. Maybe you have some grandchildren. You have a career…a life you’ve made. Then one day that’s all taken away from you…” snapping his fingers, Soma paused, looking at Archer and T’Pol. “Just like that. I could see it in his eyes, mother. He looked more than angry… he looked… alone.”

“Then you believe that he is you?” said T’Pol questioningly.

Soma shook his head. “He didn’t make a lot of sense, but he did say I had stolen his life. I can only imagine what that life was…an alternate reality? I don’t know.”

Archer shook his head; he didn’t like what he was hearing. “So what’s our move?”

Soma looked over at Archer, “There’s nothing we can do for now. Cutler believes he has the ability to manipulate the time line. I believe her.”

T’Pol gave him a muted look of surprise. “Like the Sphere builders?”

“Possibly,” he replied, “but she was insistent that he would come here… to this time frame and this ship.”

Archer frowned. “Then why isn’t Velik already here? Why did he hijack your Enterprise?”

“That’s what we need to find out,” said Soma, “and before he arrives.”

Archer nodded in agreement, “We need more answers from crewman Cutler.”

“From what Jonathan has told us, it is unlikely she will volunteer any further information.”

“Maybe we should try a different tact,” suggested the Archer.

Soma looked at him curiously. Experience told him that Archer had a plan. “What do you have in mind?”

“Hoshi was friendly with crewman Cutler,” said the captain. “She might not talk to us, but maybe to an old friend?”

A grin formed on Soma’s lips and he turned towards T’Pol. “Have you been tutoring him in logic?”

T’Pol’s brow shot up. “I gave up trying a long time ago.”

“Save the insults for Trip, you two,” said Archer. He was not going to be the butt of whatever passed for Vulcan humor.

“Perhaps,” suggested T’Pol, ”while Ensign Sato is questioning crewman Cutler, Captain Soma, Commander Tucker and I can perform a closer examination of her shuttle.”

“Good idea,” said Archer, standing up from the table.

“One other thing, sir,” said Soma as he looked up at the captain. “Velik is desperate and that means he probably has nothing to lose.”

Archer shook his head. “And that makes him even more dangerous.”

* * *

Trip Tucker spent the majority of the morning and most of the afternoon doing work he wouldn’t have wished on his enemies. He had serviced three plasma injectors and replaced two field coils. He was dirty, tired, sore and top of everything he was hungry. He had been so preoccupied, that he hadn’t stopped for lunch. And it wasn’t just the work that kept him busy. He had a lot on his mind. Things were happening fast. It was hard to keep up. It had seemed so much simpler before the Expanse, before T’Pol. Who was he kidding! Things had never been simple! Not even when he was a kid back in Florida. As soon as he found out about girls, it got complicated. Only now, his problems didn’t involve girls…just a girl…a woman who he had found himself drawn to, and to his great surprise reciprocated his feelings. She had wanted to talk to him. Later she had told him. He wondered what it might be and it made him more than a little apprehensive. A Vulcan was uncharted territory for him – for any human really.

“Hello chief.”

Startled, Tucker looked up. A smile formed on his lips as he instantly recognized the voice.

“Jonathan. What you brings you down to my fair engine room?”

Soma walked over to him and was about to pat him on the back when he noticed the dirt and grime on Tucker’s uniform. Watching Soma move his arms behind his back, Tucker couldn’t help but chuckle. “Sorry, I’m a bit of a mess.”

“I can see that,” he smiled. “I was just going to stop by and see how things were going. And to see if you wanted some lunch.”

Tucker shrugged. “I’d like to, but I still got a lot to finish up. I don’t think I have time to visit the mess hall.”

Soma nodded. “I thought that might be your answer.” Turning, he walked towards the engineer’s office, waving Tucker to follow. Tucker frowned, but curiosity got the better of him. Laying down his tools, he followed Soma into the office.

Entering his office, Trip immediately noticed a beige napkin-covered plate sitting on his desk. Next to it was a small cylinder with a sealed top. Soma took a seat next to the desk, and picking up the napkin, revealed the contents underneath.

“A cheeseburger,” said Tucker in surprise.

“And french-fries,” added Soma.

Tucker looked at Soma and gave the man a warm smile. “How did you-“

Soma waved his hand. “I had a word with chef. He was happy to make it.”

Tucker pulled out his chair, and sat down. Glancing down at his plate, he smiled again as he looked at Soma. “Thanks, it was really nice of ya.”

“You can thank me by not telling T’Pol,” he replied. “I’d never hear the end of it if she found out I encouraged a carnivore.”

Tucker laughed, “My lips are sealed.”

Taking a bite of his cheeseburger, Tucker could taste the melted cheese and tangy ketchup mixed with the sharp mustard and crisp onions. Swallowing his first bite, he took a deep breath and smiled. “Now that’s a cheeseburger.”

“Glad you like it,” said Soma, picking up the sealed container. Opening it, he handed it to Tucker.

“What is it,” he asked, looking at the dark liquid inside.

“Just try it.”

He looked at Soma warily. He didn’t like being a lab rat, but the captain had been on target with the cheeseburger so he felt safe with the mystery beverage. Taking a careful sip, Tucker looked up in surprise.

“Root beer?”

Soma nodded, “Chef suggested it. He said it goes well with cheeseburgers.”

“Well he’s right. I haven’t had a good root beer since we left Earth.” Taking another drink, Tucker felt the carbonated bubbles tickle the inside of his mouth. Glancing over at Soma, he noticed the Vulcan was smiling at him.

“You’re a good friend Jonathan,” he said. “And not just for this. I’m really glad to see you again. Even under the circumstances.”

Soma’s smile faded. Looking away, he focused his attention on the pulsing warp core across the room. Tucker studied him for a moment. He had that same look at the meeting. He was troubled and looked more than a little worried.

“Jonathan?”

Soma looked back at Tucker; his worried expression still present.

“Don’t worry,” said Tucker, placing a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll beat 'em. We always do.”

Soma looked at Tucker thoughtfully for a moment, and then gave him a faint smile.

* * *

T’Pol was tired. It had been a long day. All she wanted to do was meditate and then sleep. She stepped out of the turbo lift, walking down the short hallway to her quarters. Once inside, she began taking off her clothes only to hear the shower running.

“Charles,” she said softly to herself.

T’Pol was tempted to join him in the shower. She had found it to be enjoyable and would not mind indulging in it once again. However, she also knew from experience that it would no doubt lead to a night filled with very little sleep for either of them. And although she looked forward to such evenings, tonight was one which a good nights sleep was the more logical choice.

them. Removing her uniform and underclothes, T’Pol put on her loose fitting green silk robe as she heard the
shower water stop. Charles step out while drying himself off. The towel felt to the floor as Charles jumped. “J saw who was before him. “Jeez T’Pol! Ya scared the shit outta me!”

“I apologize for startling you.”

“It’s ok,” he smiled. “When did you get here?”

T’Pol raised an eyebrow as she noticed he had not bothered to pick up his towel but was instead putting on his own pajamas, “I just arrived. I was waiting for you to finish your shower so I could take one as well.”

“We could have shared,” said Trip smiling.

“I do not think that would be prudent at this juncture. We have both had a difficult day. Rest would be the logical option.
“I love it when you’re clinical.”

“Am I anything else?”

“Well, you were certainly something else the other night.”

T’Pol’s cheeks turned pale green and she turned away reflexively. She found their love making to be an intense release for her. She considered it only time she could honestly and wholly express her feelings for her human lover. Still, it made her uncomfortable. As a Vulcan, physical intimacy was practiced, but not indulged in.

Tucker noticed her embarrassment. A year ago he would have jumped at the chance to needle her about it, but not now. He knew their relationship wasn’t an easy thing for her. It wasn’t easy for him either. Deciding to spare her any further embarrassment, he changed the subject. “You never told me what we needed to talk about. In fact you’ve kinda been avoiding the subject ever since.”

“I apologize…but tonight is not the time.”

Trip frowned. “Okay… if that’s what ya want. We promised to give each other room.”

“Thank you.”

Trip smiled, circling his arms around her waste, “Anything for you. You know that.”

. * * *

The figure moved quickly, avoiding detection from the shuttle bay maintenance crew. The figure darted across the platform as it moved towards the shuttle. Glancing at the occupied maintenance crew, the lone figure pressed the access control hatch, slipping inside. Once the hatch closed, the figure quietly walked to the front of the shuttle. Dropping down into the pilot’s seat, the figure touched the computer interface. “Computer,” said the figure, “transmit the following message to designated location beta three gamma…”

The figure moved the tapped the transmit button on the console came to life. Watching, the figure waited for the computer to show a response. After a moment, the display changed and the figure smiled as the computer display began to flash two words. “Message received.”

Chapter 6

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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

No T'Pol, tell him now damn it!

'Soma' is the baddy, he has to be the baddy! Please, let 'Soma' actually be Velik!

Good chapter, even if I'm ready to hit you round the head for keeping Trip in the dark still...he's gonna be a grandpa before he finds out at this rate!

Great chapter. I love the suspense and the mystery. Can't wait for the next chapter.

I just love this to bits, you write Trip so well and all the interactions with Soma, T'Pol and Jon are wonderful. The tension is mounting and I can't wait to see what happens next. Thanks for a terrific story, Ali D :~)

What, no SHOWER SCENE? I was all geared up when I heard the water running, and T'Pol had to go and control herself -- what's the DEAL?!? Take off the robe, and hop in... WET TRIP!

Anyway, great addition to the saga. Triplover/Quills... curiouser and curiouser. :)

Let me guess... the figure is Soma right? And I must agree with nikitee on this. Weren't you one of the ones ASKING for shower scenes along with The Cursor? What's with that?

I sure was... and I even thought of writing a little NC-17 in there but I soon realized it would be far better to just tease you as Quills has been known to do! ;) This way is more fun! For me at least.

Good chapter. More of Tucker/Soma interaction. Any chapter/s forthcoming? please?
thanks! :-)

Where's the rest? Grr. . . you and Quills, all with the unfinished stories that are so good!!! Keep writing! Now! I demand resolution! :D)

i hope you will update this soon.

Don't worry pookha... it'll be here soon... both six and seven... just gotta wait a little while longer.