Forwarded by the ASC-VSO Posted: Wed, 19 May 2004 07:53:36 GMT In: alt.startrek.creative From: billfl@hiwaay.net (Bill Livingston) Title: Forever Man Author: Bill Livingston (bill@Traveller.COM) Series: ENT Rating: [PG] Codes: A/f, Tu, R; Jungle Kitty's "Series Shuft" Challenge Summary: How does Jonathan Archer handle the knowledge that someone he's come Note: This is in response to JK's "Series Shift" challenge (take an episode, plot or scene from one series and rewrite it for another), and is the first of four stories, all based on a single (*the* single, some might say) episode of TOS. Archive: OK anywhere, as long as title and authorship remain unchanged. Any MSTers welcome, just let me know. 8-] Disclaimer: "Star Trek" and all related characters and situations are trademarks of and © Desilu/Paramount/Viacom. All rights are reserved. Feedback in ASC and by email is welcome. If you liked it, please let me know. If not, please let me know. In either case, please let me know *why*. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOREVER MAN By Bill Livingston After a frantic search, punctuated by frustration on one side and panicked delirium on the other, the three of them had been re-united. It was a happy occasion, but one as full of questions as it was relief: "How did you get here?" "How did *I* get here?" "Have all the effects worn off?" "How long have you been looking for me?" "Do you remember anything you did?" Then the captain turned - and saw doom approaching. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Edith!" Archer whispered, almost choking on the word. She didn't see the danger, the steel monster barreling down on her that would end her life. He started forward, every instinct telling him to save her. "Captain!" Reed's clipped voice brought him back to agonizing reality. If she lived, this kind and gentle woman, this disciple of peace and intellect, would unintentionally throw the world - the entire galaxy - into chaos! But he loved her - he loved her so much, it hurt! Then he felt Trip begin to surge past him, and he knew there was no time left at all. He had to act. Without hesitation, without thinking, Jonathan Archer threw himself at Edith Keeler, knocking her back onto the rough pavement. He felt the heat and smelled the pungent breeze of the truck's exhaust as it washed by him. "Jonathan! Oh my, you - you saved my life!" "Yeah - I guess I did at that," Archer panted. He felt his stomach clench as he realized what he'd done. "Cap'n! Edith!" Tucker exclaimed, rushing over to him. "You two okay?" "Fine - fine, Trip," said, while simultaneously doubting it. And suddenly, the remedy for what had just occurred crystallized in his mind. "Captain Archer!" Malcolm said in a strangled voice. "Do you know what you've just done?" "I do," Archer said grimly as he helped Edith to her feet. "And I know what I have to do next." "And what would that be?" Reed asked, not entirely certain what his next move should be. The only way he could see to repair this damage was - but surely the captain wouldn't save her from the accident, only to deliberately snuff out her life now. But he could see no other way. Reed was determined that if Archer should falter again, he'd assume the unpleasant duty he saw coming. Instead, Archer surprised him by turning to her. "Edith, you've been so kind to me - to all of us. And we truly appreciate it." "Do you? 'Appreciate' me, that is?" she asked uncertainly. "I thought perhaps it was more than that." Archer smiled. "It is. Edith, I, I've never felt this way about anyone before. I can't describe it to you in words. I want to show you just how much I do care for you. But for now, I need you to go with us." "Go? Go where?" Archer took her arm in his. "I - don't think you'll believe me until we get there." "Waitasec," Trip said as he followed, sounding as confused as he looked. "What's goin' on here?" "Long story," the captain said. "Sir," Malcolm said with consternation, "*Please* tell me you're not thinking of doing what I think you are thinking of doing." Archer stopped and looked at him. "It's the only way, Malcolm. I couldn't let her die. And I can't let anyone else die because of my actions." Now it was Edith's turn to look confused. "Jonathan, I don't understand. Who's going to die? Where are we going?" "No one is going to die," he said. "And we're heading for a place I think you'll like. A place where all the ideals you've worked for are more than just words - they've helped build a reality that's taken humanity out of despair, and hurled us towars those stars up there. Would you be interested in seeing that place, Edith? Of being a part of it?" "Oh yes, Jonathan - a great deal!" "Then take my hand, Edith. I'll explain, but until I can - please, trust me." Without hesitation, Edith Keeler smiled back, put her hand in Jonathan Archer's and walked with him - straight through the brick wall, and 200 years into the future. Glancing at each other uncertainly, Reed and Tucker could only shrug and follow. -- Forwarded to ASCL by: Stephen Ratliff ASC Stories Only Forwarding In the Pattern Buffer at: http//trekiverse.crosswinds.net/feed/ ASCL is a stories-only list, no discussion. Comments and feedback should be directed to alt.startrek.creative or directly to the author. Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASCL/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: ASCL-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ From ???@??? 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