Star Trek Coda

Chapter 8: Alone

ENTERPRISE NX-01, YEAR 2383, DELTA QUADRANT

Archer got up off the ground, and looked around. He was dazed, the emergency lights were flickering, and almost everyone had been thrown to the floor. He did a quick check – they were all getting up. Everyone on the bridge was okay. As he pulled himself together he called to Reed, "what's our condition?!"

Reed replied as he read the reports off his screen, "damage reports coming in from all over the ship ... major damage on all decks ... minor injuries ... no casualties."

Without replying, Archer quickly turned to T'Pol, "where are we?" he barked, "when are we?"

"I am conducting detailed scans now," she replied, calm as always, "we appear to be in the far reaches of the Delta Quadrant. In the year 2383.

Jack and Ethan looked at each other and then the Captain. It took a moment to process the news. It took another moment to accept it. They had failed, just like that the massive risk had failed. They were far from where they needed to be, and they were too late. Was it over just as it had started? Had the sacrifice been for nothing?

Jack fell to his knees, crying and clutching his face as Ethan put his arms around him, "we're too fucking late," he wailed, "all of this was for nothing!"

He looked up at the Captain, "I'm sorry."

"Get up!" replied Archer, "we're closer than we were before. There's still a chance!"

"What chance?!"

"From what you told me, the Federation hasn't fallen yet."

"We're still in the middle of nowhere," he said as Ethan helped him to his feet.

This time Ethan replied, "he's right. We travelled across two centuries. We can't give up now. There's gonna be a way."

"You're probably relieved we're stuck here," muttered Jack bitterly.

"Hey! That's not fair. We're here. I'm with you now," he replied, squeezing Jack's hand, "I don't agree with what we're doing, but I love you deeply. I am here, I am by your side, and I admire you for doing what you believe is right."

Jack squeezed his hand, "you're my rock," they both smiled.

Archer turned to T'Pol again, "what's on sensors in the immediate area?"

T'Pol raised her eyebrow, "these readings are most unusual. There is a rogue planet on short range sensors, but my detailed scans are being blocked. There is nothing else on long range sensors within two light years."

"What do you mean nothing?" replied Archer.

"We appear to be in a void."

It was a curious coincidence, why here of all places? "Alright, let's set course for the planet," he ordered. While the mission was crucial, a part of him was excited to see what was out there. He was further away than they had ever travelled. He was in a new universe and he was exploring. It was bringing him back to life, he was back to being himself. He could feel it in his bones.

As the ship drew nearer, the planet came into view. It was stunning. It was a cool blue, and it glowed like a giant orb. He became aware of the silence from the boys and suddenly had a thought, "have you ever been in space before?" he asked them.

"Never," replied Ethan, "We didn't even leave the city. This is incredible. It's crazy to be excited with the reason we're here... but this is the most incredible moment of my life. It's like a dream."

"I feel the same," replied Archer, "and it's nothing to be guilty about. We're human. That makes us explorers at heart, always. That awe is just who you are, and its incredible to be able to see and appreciate the beauty of the universe. Be proud."

"Thank you," said Ethan, "I want to see it all."

Sensors picked more detail on the planet. It was M-Class. "Well you are in for a world of wonder," replied Archer, "space has things you could never imagine." The boys' awe inspired Archer in a way, it helped remind him of why he loved exploring. It was well timed for Archer to experience it, because he was a broken man. He'd seen two dark wars, so much death, so much destruction. He'd lived more pain than most people ever do, and he was tired. He missed this feeling - he missed the awe, the joy and the exploration. He missed wonder! If these young people could see so much horror and still feel that awe, then so could he. He would do it for them.

As they drew even closer, they saw the planet was aglow with lights, orbital stations and ships flying in every direction. It was busier than Earth. It was spectacular.