//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 - Longing For Better Times // Story: Star Trek: You Can't Go Home Again // by Aceman67 //------------------------------// A two days had passed since helping Applejack with her farm and I found myself drawn back to the shuttle. Yesterday had been better, Pinkie Pie had helped immeasurably with that by throwing me an impromptu party when she heard that it was my Sister's birthday, and judging by the hangover I had, I guess I had a little too much fun. But today was different. I stood on the ground around the shuttle and surveyed the expansive meadow. Aside from the large rend in the soil from where the shuttle had crashed, it was beautiful land. Tall prairie grass with wild flowers nearly as far as you could see. In the distance, I could see the tree line of the Everfree Forest. Twilight had warned me to not venture into it alone. Seeing as I had no reason to go there, I decided to heed her advice. Taking out my tricorder and using the shuttle as a center point, I measured out a half acre and walked out to the farthest point north of the shuttle, turned west and walked one-quarter that, placed a wooden stake. Turning south, I walked a full half acre, placed another stake, and repeated until I had marked the four corners of what was now my property. Earlier that morning over breakfast I had asked Fluttershy how much land sold for. She reacted confused at first, then worried that she had done something wrong, fretting that something she had done had caused me to want to leave. I even got a nip at my ankle from Angel for upsetting his mistress. Reassuring her, I told her that she had done nothing, but since I was not going anywhere soon, I didn't want to continue to impose myself on her kindness. I needed a place of my own. "Oh," was what she said, and she told me to go and speak to the Mayor's office. So, with the four hundred and seventy bits I had earned helping Applejack, I walked into town and spoke with the Mayor's assistant, a very irritable unicorn stallion with a grayish blue coat, and a forgettable name. After haggling for almost an hour, I walked out having spent slightly over half of the bits I had, then set off to the shuttle, deed in hand. Stepping inside the shuttle, I touched the input panel of one of the two working computer terminals and activated the impulse micro-fusion reactor. After replicating a glass of ice-cold water, I sat down at the terminal and began to take inventory of the shuttle's systems, what could be salvaged, what I could repair, and so on. But staying focused proved to be hard, as memories started to seep their way into my mind. Starfleet Academy - Earth - 2379 "Good morning Cadets, please be seated," Commander Tomlinson said, addressing the small group of young cadets gathered in one of the Academy's many lecture halls. "These Senior Cadets with me have recently finished their qualifications required to be certified flight instructors and have volunteered their spring leave to assist in instructing those of you who have not completed their basic flight certification required for graduation this summer." He said, gesturing towards myself and four others to his right. "Who's she?" I asked, my voice barely over a whisper, the cadet next to me, Micheal Taylor, who also happened to be my dormmate. "Who?" "Third from the right, front row." "The Vulcan? I don't know. Why?" "She's cute." Getting a raised eyebrow in response, I shrugged. "What?" I answered with a question, rhetorically. "Ahem," came a voice to my left, realizing it was the Commander, I straightened up. "Sorry, Sir." "As I was saying, here are your assignments. Cadet sh'Zac, you're with Taylor. Cadet T'Pomei, you're with Scott..." Tomlinson continued, but I stopped listening, feeling my face become a light shade of red as a young Vulcan woman with short cropped black hair wearing a sciences blue uniform approached me. "This way Cadet," I said politely, a friendly smile sliding onto my face. We made our way to the academy's shuttle hanger and boarded our assigned shuttle for the day. T'Pomei showed a great amount of skill as she proceeded through the pre-flight checklist, lifting the shuttle off and taking us into standard orbit. "Excellent work," I told her. "Now, break orbit and make your course two-three-four by one-five six, speed full impulse." "Two-three-four by one-five-six," She answered flatly, inputting the commands into the conn needed to swing the shuttle out of orbit and on course towards the Moon's south pole. "Speed, full impulse. ETA twelve minutes." "So... What's your major?" I asked, breaking the silence. "Astroparticle Physics." She responded, flatly, again. Turning her head to meet my gaze, she realized that I had absolutely no idea what that meant. "I study elementary particles of astronomical origin and their relation to astrophysics and cosmology." "That's researching stuff like radiation from stellar objects and dark matter, right?" I asked, with her explanation jogging my memory from last semester's stellar science class. "Crudely put, but that is a correct generalization." She answered. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the starfield shift slightly, and glancing down at the co-pilot's instruments, my assumption was correct. "We're listing slightly to port, can you level us out?" "I had not noticed," T'Pomei said has she worked her controls to level the shuttle's attitude. But sure enough, the shuttle began to list again. "We're listing again," I said, a smile on my face. "Indeed." She responded, her jaw clenching slightly and her lips pursed in concentration. "What is causing this?" She asked, turning towards me. "Just a little quirk this shuttle has," I explained. "Every vessel, from the smallest shuttle pod to large starships, every one of them has their little quirks. Things they do that no other vessel does. This shuttle rotates on its zee axis point zero five degrees every two minutes. Set up a macro with the RCS thrusters to fire a point zero one second burst every one and half minutes." I instructed. "This is something you need to keep in mind if you have to pilot anything, something to keep an eye out for. Also, that macro recommendation was in the maintenance report that you didn't read before you started the pre-flight checklist." I continued, docking two points off her score. "I will remember that for the future." She said, following my recommendation. "Why has this defect not been addressed?" "It doesn't affect the shuttle's safety, and its a training vessel," I tell her, getting an understanding nod. "Have you gotten your assignment for after graduation?" I asked, since all cadets at this point had reached all the academic requirements needed for graduation, making the final months at the academy a mere formality filled with final certifications needed to qualify for whatever postings each cadet had applied for. Basic pilot certification being a qualification required for serving on a starship. "I have been assigned to the Luna-Class Starship Galatea as part of its Sciences division." "Wow, me too, Captian Sigrengar wants me for beta shift helmsman," I told her. "Small universe." "It is, most assuredly, not, but I understand your metaphor." She told me. Reaching our destination around the Moon's south pole, I told her to change our course for Lagrange Point two orbital habitat where we would go through the final obstacle course. T'Pomei completed it flawlessly, then set course back towards San Fransisco. On our trip back we made small talk, or as much as you could really with a Vulcan. I found out that we both were born in space, her parents serving in Starfleet but were now retired to Vulcan. Her sister, like mine, was married to someone who also owned a freighter company. We discovered that we had a lot in common. During the last leg of the trip, we settled into a pleasant silence. "Your comments, back in the lecture hall were inappropriate," She began, breaking the silence. I balked at what she said, the hairs on the back of neck standing on end. She heard me? "But after our conversation today, I have decided..." She continued, pausing and turning to meet my gaze again. "They were not unwelcome." She said finally as we entered Earth's atmosphere. Breathing a sigh of relief, I decided to push my luck after she landed the shuttle. "Micheal, I mean Cadet Taylor, and I were going to get drinks at the 602 Club when we're done today." I started. "Would you like to join us?" I asked. Taking a few moments to think on her answer, she tilted her head slightly. "That would be agreeable." Smiling at the memory, I accessed my personal database I had copied to the shuttle, originally to show my sister pictures of things we had seen along the Tzenkethi DMZ. Going through old photos, I found the one I was looking for. In it was Micheal with his arms stretched above him and shouting something I couldn't remember. Next to him was myself, my face in my palms over my friends idiocy. Next to me was T'Pomei, stoically taking a sip of her drink. The image made me laugh, Moving on to the next photo, I smile warmly. It was T'Pomei on the academy grounds right before we were to beam up to Earth Spacedock to report for duty on the Galatea. It was my favorite photo of her. At this point we had been in a relationship for a couple months. When asked what she saw in me, she responded saying "His lack of logic is worth tolerating." A Vulcan with a sense of humor, leave it to me to find one. Scrolling to the next photo, the smile on my face lessened somewhat. It was of T'Pomei and I sitting in the Galatea officers lounge, a beautiful gaseous nebula filling the viewport behind us. While it appeared to be a pleasant photo, the memories associated with it were not, because of what happened after. USS Galatea - Somewhere in the Beta Quadrant - March 2381 I sat in the Galatea's lounge, having found the only dimly lit corner. I wanted to be by myself. I took another shot of scotch, the real stuff, not the synthetic shit and stared at the PADD in front of me. On it was a list, millions of names long. But two names were highlighted. Edward James Scott and Maria Lucile Scott. My parents. I tried to rub my eyes to rid them of the stinging irritation, both of them long since left dry after sobbing in my quarters when the XO woke me in the middle of the night to deliver the news. I poured myself another glass and downed it. It was then that I noticed I was no longer alone. Standing in front of my table was T'Pomei. Instead of her uniform, she was dressed in a tasteful two-tone navy blue pantsuit. It was a gift from my mother on T'Pomei's birthday shortly before we graduated from the Academy. I had tried explaining to her that getting her a gift wasn't needed, it wasn't a Vulcan thing. But my mother insisted. After the party, T'Pomei told me in private that the clothing was 'satisfactory' and that if she were human, that was the same as 'liking' it. Seeing her wearing that made my expression crack and my lip began to quiver as I found myself on the brink of crying once again. "I was just told the news." She told me, sitting down next to me in the booth along the wall. Placing her hands on the table, she started to speak. "I will miss your parents. I found their company stimulating. Despite the short time I had known your parents, I counted them among my friends." She took my hand in hers, and placed her other hand on top and stared into my eyes. Her face was that of concern but betrayed no emotion. But something was off in her eyes. The look of inquisitiveness that I admired was gone. It was replaced with... nothing. Then it occurred to me, it was sorrow. I squeezed her hand. "They're gone," I said simply, breaking down. She quickly pulled me into an embrace as I sobbed into her shoulder. "I know. I grieve with thee, my love," She spoke softly, a single tear of her own trailing down her face as she held me tighter. "What ya dooooing?" An upbeat voice said, breaking me from the trance I was in. I wiped a tear from my eye and turned towards a Pink pony with physics-defying hair to match. "Are you alright?" She asked, noticing that I had been crying. "I'm fine, Pinkie," I said, turning to face her. "Just some memories from going through some photos," I explain, and instantly, I had her beside me. "Oooo... she's pretty! What's her name? Why are her ears pointy?" Pinkie asked in quick succession. "Her name was T'Pomei," I start to explain. "Her ears are pointy because she's a Vulcan, her species' ears are like that." I continued, scrolling to the next image. My heart skipped a beat in my chest. Earth's Moon - Tranquility Settlement - November 2381 "I do not see how this recreational activity is an efficient way to spend our shore leave." T'Pomei said, sliding her hand into an EVA suit glove. "Come on, it'll be fun!" I tell her, only to get a deadpan stare in return. I pick up her suits helmet and locked it into place, then doing the same with mine. Pressing a control on my wrist, I turn on the suit's comms. "Testing comms." "Confirmed." Hitting the airlock control, the room depressurized and the outer door opened up onto the lunar soil. "Just humor me, ok?" I ask her, taking her hand. "I endeavor to do that every day we are together." She said with out emotion, but I know sarcasm when I hear it. I then pulled her out of the airlock and we both started hopping along the Moon's surface in its lower gravity, much the same way astronauts from Earth's past had done. Following a trail of lights we soon found ourselves at our destination. In the distance was the location of the Apollo Eleven landing site. We couldn't get close to it, the entire area where the Apollo crew had set foot was cordoned off with a ten foot transparent aluminum fence and a force field dome to preserve one of mankind's most treasured historical sites. Getting close to where the Lunar Module had touched down was, we could see the flag, long since bleached white by the sun's radiation, and just on the other side of the fence, a trail of footprints could be seen going to and from the LM. T'Pomei kneeled down to get a closer look and placed her hand on the transparent fence. "Hey, say cheese!" I said, pointing my holographic camera at her. "No." She responded flatly in her way that I knew was really teasing. I took the picture anyways. "It is a testament to human ingenuity that your species landed here so early in your history of space exploration. Vulcan's already had orbital habitat's before we landed on T'Khut, and only then to explore the possibility of extracting resources." She told me. "What was it your leader Kennedy said?" "'We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.'" I quoted. Speaking of things that are hard. I thought. "Listen, T'Pomei, I have something I have to say." I told her, reaching to scratch the back of my head out of a nervous habit, only to remember I was in an environmental suit. Standing up, she turned to me, her face illuminated in her helmet's faceplate. "You know you can always speak your mind when you are with me." I stepped up close to her and took her hands in mine. "T'Pomei, you're the love of my life. Your serenity is the perfect foil to my brashness, keeping me grounded. You bring me such happiness and joy that shudder at the thought of not being with you." Getting down on one knee, I look up at her with the earth visible over her shoulder. It was perfect. "T'Pomei, my love. My t'hy'la," I said, using the Vulcan word for closest friend or lover. "Will you marry me?" I did not receive an answer right away, nor did I expect one. The woman I love wouldn't take a question like this lightly, and I knew she was thinking it over in her mind. "Yes, I will." She said, finally. "Where was this taken?" Pinkie asked. "Earth, my species' home planet, which is a lot like yours, has a moon, again, a lot like this world's. A little over four hundred years ago, we sent explorers to land on it. Only ten years before, the very idea of doing that was considered impossible. The picture was taken where they first landed." I explained. "It's also where I asked her to marry me." "You're so romantic!" She said, putting her head on my shoulder, then she reached forward and touched the control that was supposed to bring up another picture. Instead, a video recording began to play. One that I had forgotten I saved. Greetings T'hy'la I am certain that this message finds you well. I expect that this will reach you shortly after your sister's birthday. Please convey my regards in this matter. My temporary assignment at Utopia Planitia is proceeding as expected. Calibrating newly constructed components for Quantum Slipstream drives is a simplistic use of my talents, but it is rewarding. I am, however, to use the human term, eager for the Juno Beach's return from its patrol schedule so that I may complete my assignment transfer and join you. My parents have been in contact with your sister and have insisted that Stanley Park in Vancouver is an acceptable location for our wedding. I do not think they truly understand that the planned date is during that area's rainy season. I will speak with them on this matter and change their decision. I must now return to my duties. If anything changes regarding the wedding, I will contact you again. Until then, peace and long life, my love. I had not realized that I was crying until Pinkie Pie shook my shoulder. I had forgotten I had saved this. It was the last time I had heard her speak. Unable to get a response out of me, Pinkie simply pulled me into a hug, unsure what had brought on such sadness. USS Juno Beach - Romulan Neutral Zone - April 2382 My eyes darted open at the sound of my door's ringer going off. Struggling to get out of bed, the door rang a second time. "Yeah, hold on, I'm coming," I yelled, pulling on a robe. Opening the door, I wince at the bright light, only to find both the Captain and the XO standing at my doorway. "Lieutenant, may we come in?" Captain Rosenthal asked, and I stepped aside, letting them both in. "Computer, lights, fifty percent illumination," I ordered. "What's going on?" I ask. "At 0930 yesterday morning at Utopia Planitia," Commander Zarva, a middle-aged Bolian woman, began. "A Breen Operative posing as an engineer murdered two scientists and stole the plans for the Slipstream drive. He then set off two explosions to cover his escape in a Romulan ship equipped with phased cloaking." "Hold on, what are you saying?" I ask them, in complete shock. "James," Captain Rosenthal said, addressing me directly. "I regret to inform you that..." And with those words, my world fell apart.