FIC: Circle's End, Archer/Reed, 4/16
Feb. 13th, 2007 05:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cloudy_ficTitle: Circle's End, Part Four
Author: CloudyJenn
Fandom: Enterprise
Pairings: Archer/Reed, T'Pol/Tucker
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: These characters belong to Paramount. I am making no profit from this fanfiction.
Beta:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
qzee. Thanks!
Warnings: Still not deathfic.
Summary: Ten years after an explosion on an alien planet, Jon and Malcolm deal with two very different realities.
Author's Notes: Ok, so this is the really short chapter. I'm fairly certain this is the only one that turned out this way. Enjoy!
“Another ale, Master?”
A round faced, jolly barkeep leaned towards Malcolm, his lips split into a wide grin. Malcolm couldn’t help smiling back at him. It seemed like everyone was in a good mood from the festivities. Malcolm certainly was. The evening meal with Talin and his parents had gone wonderfully, not surprising since he’d known them for years and had shared meals with them quite often. He’d relinquished Senara to Talin and now sat in a nearby bar, enjoying a drink before going back to his room for the night.
“Yes, thank you.”
He poured a dark amber liquid into Malcolm’s glass. “Are you enjoying the festival, Master? Come to be bound to a pretty young lady?”
Amusement flowed through Malcolm’s slightly drunken body. Nothing could be farther from the truth, but it was just like an Alearan to be nosy and ask. Malcolm wondered if people from the other continents were a bit more reserved.
“No, my daughter is here for the festival.”
“Ah, I see. A troubling time for you then. My own three daughters have been already.” He gave him a pained expression. “Why must young girls get bonded, I ask?”
Malcolm chuckled. “I don’t know.”
“I’m not sure what’s more exciting. The festival or these Federation people coming here.” He picked up a glass and began to wiping it with a ragged old towel. “Probably the festival. I’m not sure how many people are even aware of the other.”
“Federation?” Malcolm hadn’t heard anything about this, but he felt it was important to ask. If there were people here in the city from a foreign place, it was possible they came from the other continents and if that were the case, he’d want to know it.
“United Federation of Planets,” the barkeep answered, clearly enjoying sharing the news with one who didn’t know it. “Old Matein’s asked to join us up. It’s fine with me, I say. Bring more people into my bar.”
Surprise spiked in his chest, clearing away some of the drunken feeling. Malcolm had heard of people from other planets visiting Aleara, but he had never met any of them.
“Aleara is joining a Federation of planets? How many are there?”
The barkeep grinned and picked up another glass, warming to his topic.
“Dozens at least. All based on this particular world. Can’t remember the name. But apparently, they have a lot of technology, a lot of spaceships. If Aleara joins, we’ll be able to join their Starfleet. Can you imagine? Alearans traveling the stars, meeting all manner of other races. It’s amazing.”
“Starfleet...” That feeling was back, stronger than Malcolm had ever felt it, coursing through his veins, making him shut his eyes against the sudden influx of conflicting emotions. “Starfleet?”
I’ve joined Starfleet, Father. I’ve made my decision and I’m sorry if you won’t accept it.
Malcolm’s head fell forward into his hands, a sharp pain stabbing behind his eyes. The barkeep hurriedly set down the glass and clasped Malcolm’s forearm.
“Master? Are you alright?”
Memories were trying to awaken, Malcolm could feel it, had felt it before on previous occasions, but not for many years. He took hold of the barkeeps arms with sudden force.
“Tell me more,” he croaked. “Please.”
The barkeep struggled out of his grasp, surprise and a flicker of fear flitting across his face. “Master, you need a doctor. Let me call...”
“No! I’m fine.” Another twitch, an ache, growing stronger, making him lightheaded. “Please tell me more.”
“Are you sure you’re ok?” He asked again, worriedly. Malcolm took a deep breath, struggling to calm his heart rate. This was important, there was no doubt in his mind, but if he didn’t calm down and push away the thrill of recognition, he wouldn’t get anymore information out of the man.
“I’m sorry, barkeep. I’m fine, really. Just a little excited by the festivities. I’d like to hear more if there’s more to tell.”
The barkeep gave him a suspicious look, obviously not believing Malcolm’s excuse, but eventually, he relaxed. “Let me get you some water, at least, Master and I will tell you all I know.”
Malcolm nodded and tried not to let the anticipation take over his senses as the other man poured him a glass of water. He accepted it with grace and took a sip.
“I’m afraid I don’t know much more than I’ve said, Master. Just that Matein has asked to join with this Federation, though I hear it will be some time before we would be allowed to join. There must be a vote amongst our citizens and many meetings before it is allowed to go forward.” He sighed. “I wonder if Governor Teilani will cause problems for the Chancellor.”
“Who is Governor Teilani?” Malcolm asked.
“He is one of the ministers in Matein’s service. A governor from one of the lesser continents. He has disagreed with Matein’s decisions on a number of occasions, but I don’t think there is any genuine ill will between them. Who knows why, but no matter what, it seems like they're able to come to some kind of agreement. Still, if anyone would make a complaint, it’d be Teilani.”
Malcolm nodded, not really interested in Alearan politics at the moment. “Do you know where these Federation people are staying? They are here this weekend, right?”
“I don’t know for sure. Probably in one of the best hotels in the city.” He smiled. “After all, must show Aleara at its best.”
It was a start. Malcolm knew the area of which he spoke, though he hadn’t often been there. He couldn’t afford anything in any of the shops or restaurants and had only been to make some inquiries about Jon at the government buildings, which had proved fruitless.
The barkeep clapped his hands together suddenly, startling Malcolm. “I just remembered, Master. I have a news piece about it.” He disappeared into a small room behind the bar, emerging a few moments later with a flat electronic pad in his hand, which Malcolm recognized as a computer news device. He clicked some buttons on it before handing it to Malcolm.
“There, see? Earth, that’s the planet.”
God, Malcolm, you’ll be seeing Earth from outer space, how exciting!
Another stabbing pain. Malcolm pushed it away ardently and grabbed the pad. A brightly colored article met his eyes, its headline splashed across the top in large letters.
MEMBERS OF THE UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS MEET IN CAPSIN THIS WEEKEND FOR TALKS
Chancellor Matein met with members of the United Federation of Planets this weekend in Lawout Grand Hotel to discuss the possibility of Aleara joining their distinguished ranks. The talks, initially discussed in general assembly last month, are the first step in a long process of negotiations that could eventually see Aleara as a member of UFP.
”We’re very excited to welcome the UFP to Aleara,” Matein said this morning at a press conference. “I’ll be working closely with their delegates this week as will many members of the assembly. It’s a very thrilling time in Alearan history.”
The delegation, a group of fifteen members, is led by Admiral Jonathan Archer...
Malcolm stood suddenly, knocking his water glass over, spilling liquid along the table. His breath came in gasps.
“Not Jon...Jonathan...oh god, oh god...” He scrolled down the article, his eyes blurring slightly with unshed tears. A picture accompanied the article near the bottom. Standing on a pedestal was the Chancellor, his arm around a tall man with light brown hair and a soft smile. Malcolm felt his stomach clench and his knees almost went out on him.
It was Jon. His Jon.
“Oh my god.”
***************************************
Part Five
Author: CloudyJenn
Fandom: Enterprise
Pairings: Archer/Reed, T'Pol/Tucker
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: These characters belong to Paramount. I am making no profit from this fanfiction.
Beta:
qzee. Thanks!Warnings: Still not deathfic.
Summary: Ten years after an explosion on an alien planet, Jon and Malcolm deal with two very different realities.
Author's Notes: Ok, so this is the really short chapter. I'm fairly certain this is the only one that turned out this way. Enjoy!
“Another ale, Master?”
A round faced, jolly barkeep leaned towards Malcolm, his lips split into a wide grin. Malcolm couldn’t help smiling back at him. It seemed like everyone was in a good mood from the festivities. Malcolm certainly was. The evening meal with Talin and his parents had gone wonderfully, not surprising since he’d known them for years and had shared meals with them quite often. He’d relinquished Senara to Talin and now sat in a nearby bar, enjoying a drink before going back to his room for the night.
“Yes, thank you.”
He poured a dark amber liquid into Malcolm’s glass. “Are you enjoying the festival, Master? Come to be bound to a pretty young lady?”
Amusement flowed through Malcolm’s slightly drunken body. Nothing could be farther from the truth, but it was just like an Alearan to be nosy and ask. Malcolm wondered if people from the other continents were a bit more reserved.
“No, my daughter is here for the festival.”
“Ah, I see. A troubling time for you then. My own three daughters have been already.” He gave him a pained expression. “Why must young girls get bonded, I ask?”
Malcolm chuckled. “I don’t know.”
“I’m not sure what’s more exciting. The festival or these Federation people coming here.” He picked up a glass and began to wiping it with a ragged old towel. “Probably the festival. I’m not sure how many people are even aware of the other.”
“Federation?” Malcolm hadn’t heard anything about this, but he felt it was important to ask. If there were people here in the city from a foreign place, it was possible they came from the other continents and if that were the case, he’d want to know it.
“United Federation of Planets,” the barkeep answered, clearly enjoying sharing the news with one who didn’t know it. “Old Matein’s asked to join us up. It’s fine with me, I say. Bring more people into my bar.”
Surprise spiked in his chest, clearing away some of the drunken feeling. Malcolm had heard of people from other planets visiting Aleara, but he had never met any of them.
“Aleara is joining a Federation of planets? How many are there?”
The barkeep grinned and picked up another glass, warming to his topic.
“Dozens at least. All based on this particular world. Can’t remember the name. But apparently, they have a lot of technology, a lot of spaceships. If Aleara joins, we’ll be able to join their Starfleet. Can you imagine? Alearans traveling the stars, meeting all manner of other races. It’s amazing.”
“Starfleet...” That feeling was back, stronger than Malcolm had ever felt it, coursing through his veins, making him shut his eyes against the sudden influx of conflicting emotions. “Starfleet?”
I’ve joined Starfleet, Father. I’ve made my decision and I’m sorry if you won’t accept it.
Malcolm’s head fell forward into his hands, a sharp pain stabbing behind his eyes. The barkeep hurriedly set down the glass and clasped Malcolm’s forearm.
“Master? Are you alright?”
Memories were trying to awaken, Malcolm could feel it, had felt it before on previous occasions, but not for many years. He took hold of the barkeeps arms with sudden force.
“Tell me more,” he croaked. “Please.”
The barkeep struggled out of his grasp, surprise and a flicker of fear flitting across his face. “Master, you need a doctor. Let me call...”
“No! I’m fine.” Another twitch, an ache, growing stronger, making him lightheaded. “Please tell me more.”
“Are you sure you’re ok?” He asked again, worriedly. Malcolm took a deep breath, struggling to calm his heart rate. This was important, there was no doubt in his mind, but if he didn’t calm down and push away the thrill of recognition, he wouldn’t get anymore information out of the man.
“I’m sorry, barkeep. I’m fine, really. Just a little excited by the festivities. I’d like to hear more if there’s more to tell.”
The barkeep gave him a suspicious look, obviously not believing Malcolm’s excuse, but eventually, he relaxed. “Let me get you some water, at least, Master and I will tell you all I know.”
Malcolm nodded and tried not to let the anticipation take over his senses as the other man poured him a glass of water. He accepted it with grace and took a sip.
“I’m afraid I don’t know much more than I’ve said, Master. Just that Matein has asked to join with this Federation, though I hear it will be some time before we would be allowed to join. There must be a vote amongst our citizens and many meetings before it is allowed to go forward.” He sighed. “I wonder if Governor Teilani will cause problems for the Chancellor.”
“Who is Governor Teilani?” Malcolm asked.
“He is one of the ministers in Matein’s service. A governor from one of the lesser continents. He has disagreed with Matein’s decisions on a number of occasions, but I don’t think there is any genuine ill will between them. Who knows why, but no matter what, it seems like they're able to come to some kind of agreement. Still, if anyone would make a complaint, it’d be Teilani.”
Malcolm nodded, not really interested in Alearan politics at the moment. “Do you know where these Federation people are staying? They are here this weekend, right?”
“I don’t know for sure. Probably in one of the best hotels in the city.” He smiled. “After all, must show Aleara at its best.”
It was a start. Malcolm knew the area of which he spoke, though he hadn’t often been there. He couldn’t afford anything in any of the shops or restaurants and had only been to make some inquiries about Jon at the government buildings, which had proved fruitless.
The barkeep clapped his hands together suddenly, startling Malcolm. “I just remembered, Master. I have a news piece about it.” He disappeared into a small room behind the bar, emerging a few moments later with a flat electronic pad in his hand, which Malcolm recognized as a computer news device. He clicked some buttons on it before handing it to Malcolm.
“There, see? Earth, that’s the planet.”
God, Malcolm, you’ll be seeing Earth from outer space, how exciting!
Another stabbing pain. Malcolm pushed it away ardently and grabbed the pad. A brightly colored article met his eyes, its headline splashed across the top in large letters.
MEMBERS OF THE UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS MEET IN CAPSIN THIS WEEKEND FOR TALKS
Chancellor Matein met with members of the United Federation of Planets this weekend in Lawout Grand Hotel to discuss the possibility of Aleara joining their distinguished ranks. The talks, initially discussed in general assembly last month, are the first step in a long process of negotiations that could eventually see Aleara as a member of UFP.
”We’re very excited to welcome the UFP to Aleara,” Matein said this morning at a press conference. “I’ll be working closely with their delegates this week as will many members of the assembly. It’s a very thrilling time in Alearan history.”
The delegation, a group of fifteen members, is led by Admiral Jonathan Archer...
Malcolm stood suddenly, knocking his water glass over, spilling liquid along the table. His breath came in gasps.
“Not Jon...Jonathan...oh god, oh god...” He scrolled down the article, his eyes blurring slightly with unshed tears. A picture accompanied the article near the bottom. Standing on a pedestal was the Chancellor, his arm around a tall man with light brown hair and a soft smile. Malcolm felt his stomach clench and his knees almost went out on him.
It was Jon. His Jon.
“Oh my god.”
***************************************
Part Five
