A Father's Lament, by vandiver49

A Father’s Lament

By vandiver49

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters associated with Star Trek, I'm just borrowing them for a moment. Please don't sue; people in the Navy don't make that much money.

A/N: My skills have severely atrophied while I’ve been away. I ask not for forgiveness but for constructive criticism.

This story takes place on the other end of “Damage"

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Soval sat quietly in front of the hallowed doors of Starfleet; his wait meandering into its fourth hour. His superior Vulcan hearing could discern nothing from the commotion held within and his vaunted Vulcan patience was wearing terribly thin.

It was in that moment that the doors flew open as several Starfleet officials walked purposely to keep up with one man; Admiral Forrest. He was surrounded by a bevy of conversations, making snap decisions with every step as he proceeded down the corridor. There was one about arming the NX-02, which he knew was still in dry-dock, and yet another about possible evacuation contingencies. “Evacuate! How do you evacuate an entire planet?!” He overheard the Admiral respond to one of his aides. Obviously, the situation was as dire as he assumed.

“Admiral Forrest.” Soval announced, rising from the bench as the entourage made its way towards him. But Forrest failed to acknowledge his presence. Soval called once again, raising his voice slightly, but was met with similar failure.

“ADMIRAL FORREST!!!” He screamed, surprising even himself with his verbal audacity. But it had the desired effect.

“Listen, get hold of General Lewis and the President of the United Nations, I’ll be ready brief them at the top of the hour. This won’t take long.” Forrest instructed as he broke off from the rest of the group.

“What do you want?” Forrest questioned bitterly as he approached, the time for professional curiosities long since past.

“I wish to know the status of Enterprise’s mission in the Expanse?” Soval bluntly replied.

“It’s classified. What are you doing here anyway? I thought they evacuated the Vulcan Consulate a month ago?”

“It was. I chose to remain behind.”

“For what? It couldn’t be because you’ve offering Vulcan assistance. That would be far too noble of you. Maybe you’re here to gloat about how you were right about us being too young to explore deep space? Or are you here to lecture us on how we’re reaping what we…”

“No Admiral,” Soval interrupted, “I am simply here to inquire about the status of Enterprise’s mission, nothing more.”

Forrest eyed the Ambassador narrowly before responding. “Whatever, I have more important thing to do than indulge your curiosity.” He said, turning to walk away.

“Admiral please.” Soval called, attempting to regain his attention, but Forrest continued to walk away. To the casual observer, Soval was the model of composure, but in actually he was teetering on the brink of emotional control.

“Do you have any children?” He questioned in desperation, unashamed of the panged frustration that laced his query.

Forrest stopped in his tracks. “Yes, two.” Was the given response, his back still turned.

“I have but one Admiral Forrest, a daughter. She is the reason I am here. I know we have had many differences in the past, but today I come to you not as an Ambassador of Vulcan. Simply a father, concerned about his child.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t.” Forrest offered as he finally turned around, still stunned by the Vulcan’s admission.

“Why?” Soval asked in confusion. “All that I request is piece of mind. Is the information that sensitive?”

“No, Ambassador,” Forrest started, producing a PADD from beneath his jacket, “it isn’t. I just don’t think it’ll provide you the piece of mind you’re looking for.”

Despite the warning, Soval took the proffered PADD, determined to make his own assessment.

He meticulously watched the grainy imagine, exacting as much detail as possible from the brief. He recognized the fair-haired human making the report, the one with the southern accent and fiery temper.

‘Commander Tucker.’ he mulled silently. But his recollection begged an obvious question. ‘If he is making this report, where is my daughter?’

“The Captain attempted…suicide mission to…was unsuccessful. One third of the…killed in action. Trying to regain…and life support. Awaiting orders. Will contact again…24 hours. Tucker out.”

“Thank you.” Soval said handing the PADD back to the Admiral.

“Ambassador, you should leave.” Forrest advised. “The Xindi weapon is probably on its way here as we speak. Return to Vulcan where you’ll be safe.”

“Are you expecting Enterprise’s return?” Soval asked in a tone that could only be described as hopeful.

“Yes, Commander Tucker’s the best Engineer in the fleet. If anyone can raise a ship from the dead, it’s him.”

“Then I shall remain here,” Soval replied, finding his seat again on the now familiar bench, “and await my daughter’s return.”

Forrest stood in quiet regard for several seconds of the Vulcan as he sat there, realizing just how similar they really were. And while he had no idea how to console a Vulcan, there was still something he could do for a father.

“You know Ambassador; I should be receiving another report from Enterprise in about an hour. If there’s and news about Sub-Commander T’Pol…”

“Thank you Admiral. You’re assistance would be most…appreciated.”

Finis

Nine of you have made comments

Thanks, vandiver. So glad to know you are OK, and thanks so much for sending a Soval story! I love it. Keep posting at the HoTBBS so we know you are OK.

I gotta say this was really nice. Soval is not the mean hearted person we think him to be... nice job!

Great little scene.

It's so easy to forget what people are going through back on Earth, with all that's happening in the expanse.

Soval staying behind on Earth so he can get news on T'Pol is such a nice touch. Good to see a sign of 'paternal' love.

This was lovely, vandiver. Very spare. Nicely done.

Welcome back, vandiver!

Great story (as usual)... short, but you haven't lost your touch! Great Soval moment, and very plausible. :)

Loved this, vandiver! Beautifully written and heart-felt. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Just curious - am I just missing something or there are no communication between Earth and Enterprise since they've entered the Expanse in the show?
It's OK with me that this fact is omitted in your story, Vandiver, just curious.

And thanks for an original story, I don't recall anyone trying to deal with the stuff which is happening on Earth while the're absent. 'Soval's Annex' needed some fresh air.

A terrific story!! Is it possible for me to link it to my Soval site? The addy is http://members.shaw.ca/soval/index.html

Thanks so very much!

Selek

Hey Congratz It Wuz Gud but one thing Soval Isnt Tpols Dad. other than that i enjoyed it emensly! hey u axed 4 a truthfull awnser. llp IDIC X-)