Chapter 102. Arrival at Earth, Republic personnel dispersed
Otis paced cautiously to the council meeting. This was the first meeting since the re-establishment of Parliament. He was appointed Chairman in recognition of his tireless efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence of all Sindi races.
When he arrived at Area 859J two weeks ago, he found nothing. There was just a huge remnant of radiation that he couldn't explain. There are also signs of a Federation ship jumping. His first thought was that there had been fighting there. This seemed to confirm his worst fears. War between Cindy and the Federation seems inevitable. If the Crawling Cindy destroyed a Starfleet ship, they would have already begun their plan to destroy Earth.
But the radiation residue doesn't quite match the signs of the transition. The wreckage wasn't from a Federation ship, either. Nor are they ships from the Creeper Sindy or other Sindy races. So he did the only thing he could think of. He followed the jump signs, and before long he encountered a slow and heavily damaged Federation ship. After a little hesitation, he got in touch with him. After a brief exchange with the captain, his worries were more than he expected. And suspicions about crawling Cindy were confirmed.
The data he obtained from the Republic was used to substantiate the accusations against the Serpent. The other Sindi races were not enthusiastic about the Reptilian attempts to gain dominance over all Sindi races. Chief among them was Aqua Cindy, who was blinded by rage. They sent a fleet to Crawling Cindy's home planet and captured the Avatar and its allies.
Crawling Cindy offered little resistance. They are no match for Aqua Cindy's fighting prowess. These aquatic creatures possess the largest and most powerful ships in the Cindy Alliance. Unfortunately, they rarely interfere in the affairs of the Cindy Alliance and usually live a secluded life. They could have been a guarantor of stability for the Cindy Alliance.
Otis just hopes that changes in the future. Recommendation gave him new hope. Hopefully Cindy will have a peaceful future together despite all the differences and differences.
Meanwhile, Noah is reminiscing on the bridge of the Republic.
No one else was there but him. There are no instruments, no computers. The pulse of the light was missing, and so was the sound of the machine. It was like the ship was lifeless. Like it has lost its life.
Republic is securely anchored on a large space station orbiting the Earth. It's been two weeks since they arrived on Earth. The feeling of relief when they see their own Earth again, the real Earth. Now they can truly accept that they have restored the timeline.
A lot has happened since then. Two weeks seems like a blink of an eye. Of course, he had to report to Starfleet Command in detail what was going on. The admirals are very interested in learning what another universe looks like. Evaluating and studying all the data will keep researchers busy for several years. Of course, they will also take a closer look at whether the timeline has truly been restored, or whether there are any contradictions between Earth's historical record and Republic's data.
These details did not appeal to Noah. He experienced another universe. Glad it's over. These details didn't matter to him. He also believes the timeline has been restored. Let the researchers dwell on trivial matters.
He also spent the past two weeks arguing with technicians about the timetable for the ship's repairs. He didn't want to wait another year. He hopes to return to space soon. However, the answer is not satisfactory.
Of course, he also faced the unpleasant task of informing the families of the crew members involved in the mission. This is no easy task. On the one hand, this was never easy; on the other hand, he had to explain it to them as clearly as possible. Tell them that someone died fighting a specific enemy. But it's harder to explain that this takes place during a battle with humans in a different timeline.
This morning he visited Ted's parents. It was his last such visit. It was also the most difficult one. Maybe it was also because he knew Ted well and was in daily contact with him. Afterwards, he wished to return to his ship. Even now he was alone on the boat. The crew were housed in spare quarters.
The elevator door inside the ship opened and Jeffrey walked in. He stood beside the captain and watched the bridge in silence with him.
"The Republic is a nice ship," Noah finally said, then looked at Jeffrey. "I've just been informed that the ship will no longer be repaired."
"It was an understandable decision given the damage," Jeffrey responded calmly.
Noah's eyes swept across the bridge again. "Yes, that's probably the case. But I'll miss the bow."
"This is not your first ship to command?" Jeffrey's tone was more like a statement than a question.
"That's right," Noah confirmed. "But the other ship was much smaller. And that one took command during a battle when the captain was killed. That ship was also destroyed in the battle."
"But the crew was saved," Jeffrey knew.
"I'm lucky, just like this time," Noah said softly.
After a moment of silence, Jeffrey handed him a datapad. "You requested information about Flort and Flora. I checked the Martian database and found some information. Their ship was allegedly discovered by a Martian research vessel three hundred years after its departure. They were then were returning to Mars. However, Martian technology had advanced a lot in the meantime, making faster-than-light travel possible, so their dormant ship was intercepted. The crew was sent back to Mars. However, their research results were no longer available there. Couldn't be more important. The Martians have visited many planets and established contact with Andoria and Rigel, two planets with intelligent life, although no contact has been established with the inhabitants."
"The crew of the spaceship had problems adapting to Vulcan culture. The Vulcans had already lived according to the teachings of Sukhezfer and had controlled their emotions. And these new crew members were from an earlier era, and many of them Few could adapt. They left Vulcan after a few years. Flora was one of them. Their whereabouts are unknown. Flort remained on Vulcan. But even he could not fully integrate. . Ten years after his return, he chose to end his life."
Noah held the data tablet thoughtfully. "In this universe, their lives don't get better. Are there people who are as happy here as they are in another universe?"
Jeffrey looked at him but said nothing. He supposed the captain would continue the conversation on his own. He wasn't wrong.
"I have also done some research," Noah said. "There is no one in this timeline who fits the description of Senator Olet or any of the other colonists. Unfortunately, we know too little about these individuals to determine the family lineage." When did it diverge, which ancestors didn't meet. The only one I found was called Frigg. He looked exactly like the General. He lived in the Colony on the Edge of the Earth, which was the edge of the Federation. He didn't have a job and was an alcoholic. .According to the doctors, he won’t live much longer.”
"It's fascinating. It's clear that some people are better suited to certain social formations. It would be interesting to study this in more depth," Jeffrey said.
Noah smiled and said, "This is something you can do. Maybe now you have time, because Starfleet will assign new tasks to each of us."
"Will you accept a new command assignment?" Jeffrey asked.
"I don't know yet," Noah confessed. "I don't know if they'll give me one either. Recent events have been a little too exciting for an old man like me. But I only feel truly comfortable among the stars." He paused. “I think the decision may take some time.
Will you also attend the memorial service tonight? ” A focused memorial ceremony will be held at Starfleet Headquarters for Mr. Oversmond, who was killed during the final mission of the Enterprise.
"I'll be there," Jeffrey replied.
"It's a little weird. The guy who attacked the Enterprise was exiled to Taurus Alpha 5 years ago. The planet we found a colony on a neighboring planet."
Jeffrey wanted to give a logical explanation, but he realized that the captain didn't want to hear that right now. So he just said, "Sometimes there are weird coincidences."
Noah nodded.
Jeffrey paused for a moment as he turned toward the elevator. "captain?"
Noah looked up. "Yes, I'll do it." He and Jeffrey walked into the elevator together. Before the elevator doors closed, he took one last look back at the now completely empty command module.
"Captain, science reports that mapping of the sector is complete," Lieutenant Drei Ingmar transmitted the received data to his console before turning back to await further orders.
The captain watched him from his gray eyes. This man is over fifty years old, and his long and narrow face is already covered with wrinkles. His gray hair formed a thin crown around the top of his mostly bald head. His chin was covered by a beard, but in Ingmar's opinion it did not suit him and now contained some gray hair.
"Okay," the captain nodded. "Pilot, adjust course and enter the next sector, Wa
p 2,” he ordered the navigator.
"Yes, Captain," the young pilot responded, giving Ingmar a look that clearly showed how enthusiastic he was about the mission.
Ingmar can understand how he feels. Mapping missions aren't the most exciting thing. Only delivering goods is more tedious. Mapping missions are only really interesting when being the first ship into uncharted territory. But that's not the case here. Several ships have already been here and special places have been discovered and explored. There will be nothing unknown around the next turn. This made the entire mission lose its suspense. Just like the past on Earth. Explorers went first, experienced adventure and gained glory. But these areas were recorded and documented by mapmakers in order to produce detailed maps and plans. This was a necessary condition for further settlement. But these mapmakers never received the honor and glory.
Ingmar sighed slightly and turned back to his console. In this mission, he has little to do. I stare at the data displayed on the screen every day and nothing ever happens. There's nothing out of the ordinary, and no sensor data worth noting. It's a rather boring routine.
He has been here for more than half a year. Since his transfer from Starfleet Command to the Lexington. That was just days after the decision was made not to restore the Republic but to dismantle it. Restoration was no longer cost-effective for this old ship. The damage to the ship was too severe.
Ingmar did not object to the transfer. So what? He is a Starfleet officer. military agencies. Where he serves is decided by others. He must obey and carry out orders. And, now that his old ship is gone, the entire crew must be assigned to other ships. So he was transferred here.
At first, he was excited about the tedious task. Because after the last dramatic missions of the Republic, he was looking forward to some routine. Also holding out hope that this routine would distract him and remind him of other things. Because even though more than half a year has passed, his thoughts still often revolve around Shu Ran. He still misses her and dreams about her almost every night. And he still doesn't understand what happened, why he lost her. Although he kept in touch with her every few weeks, their conversations were always about mundane things like adjusting to a new crew, missions, or sharing new discoveries about the movies he regularly sent her. She always seemed as energetic and relaxed as ever. She was fun and enjoyable to talk to. But every time he tried to get a little closer, she always backed away. After each such conversation, he felt worse than before. It feels like the only meaningful thing in life has been lost. How he wished he could hold her again. At least one more time. After every conversation with her, he missed her so much that he felt like he was going to be burned by her. Of course, one day his feelings for her would pass, and he knew that. But he has been waiting for more than half a year, but still in vain.
Celia's encouraging words still echoed in his mind. "Give her time. Maybe what happened was just too much for her. Maybe she'll bounce back and you'll grow old together happily. If not, forget about her. She doesn't deserve it. Although you You may not believe it now, but you will come out of it.”
However, neither the former nor the latter happened. He wished he could ask her how long he had to wait. But it's not that simple. Celia is still on Earth, working at the medical center for five weeks. There is little connection between them.
He missed Celia very much. Especially now. How he wished she could be by his side. He never thought he would develop such a wonderful friendship with her. It just so happened that she had a relationship with him. He no longer uses love to describe his previous relationship stories because he has understood the true meaning of love. And through Celia, he now knows what true friendship is. She was always there for him when he needed her. She also usually knows how to get his confidence back. Even if it's just through a hug. But now she was light years away.
Apart from him, no one else from the previous Republic was transferred to the Lexington. Although he made some friends here, they were not real friendships. He's not the kind of person who's in the mood to make friends right now. Because whenever he sees or talks to other people, he wonders what Shu Ran would think about it. Then he lost interest. This makes building friendships very difficult.
His conservative behavior also caused confusion among some on board. Because of course, his reputation as a brave man and a master of love had already spread. And now he's behaving in a completely different way than anyone expected or feared. He usually completes his work quietly and then returns to his cabin to try to do something meaningful with his free time, like reading, studying, or doing his latest yoga practice. He is rarely seen in the recreational area. He deliberately avoided an appointment with the ship's psychologist. He didn't want to talk to any strangers about what happened on past missions. Because then he would have to discuss his relationship with Shu Ran with a stranger. Such words would definitely not suit him. And he had no problem at work, and his superiors had no reason to force him to have the conversation.
"Captain, we expect to reach the next sector in an hour," came the message from the navigator.
"Thanks, pilot. Lieutenant, once we're in sensor range, scan the area. I don't want any unpleasant surprises."
"Yes, sir," Ingmar replied politely. Compared to driver Depp, he, like the captain, hopes there won't be any surprises. While this could bring some changes to the routine, Ingemar isn't particularly interested in it at the moment. He thought the routine was good. This way he only needs to complete the work step by step without having to think. This fogs the brain, causing it to lose energy and stop thinking about other things. It makes him cold, makes him stop caring. This is exactly what he wants.
Only for Shu Ran's longing, this state did not work. She kept wandering in his mind like a nightmare he couldn't escape. And the worst part was, he knew she wasn't like that. She didn't miss him at all. Maybe if she was in as much pain as he was, he would feel slightly comforted. But he knew clearly that she didn't.
Time heals all wounds, but it was wrong. Time may heal many wounds, but not all. Some wounds never fully heal. This was one of them, he was sure of it.
How could he ever fall in love again if she was always on his mind? His heart still belonged to her and he wanted no one else. He just wanted her. Even in these days of doubt and pain, he was no longer sure. True, his heart still belongs to her, but he may no longer want her to come back to him. How could he trust her again after everything that had happened? There had been too much rupture between them. Still, he wasn't sure how he would react if she did stand at his door again.
This is a confusing contradiction. It’s the chaos of love. So illogical it's almost incomprehensible. No wonder Vulcans suppress their emotions.
In fact, he just wished the past half year had never happened. He wished he could wake up from his terrible nightmare and see her beside him. Or maybe it has nothing to do with Shu Ran in the end? Maybe just the emotions he experienced during this time? He felt happy. A special state of emotion. A half-year full of confidence, joy and always in a good mood. He believed he had never laughed so much in his life. He has always been optimistic before and has never been a depressed person. But he felt like everything was deeper in her company. Just like the colors of the universe become more vivid, the music becomes more melodious, and every touch is filled with a special magic.
Now, everything has lost its luster. All that remains is darkness. Gray, boring, meaningless. Music is just music, touch loses its magic. He had no hope that would change. Nothing has changed in the past six months, so why should it change in the future? It can't change anymore. He saw heaven and was expelled. She will never be the same as Shu Ran again.
The flashing display light interrupted his spiraling thoughts again. Once again, he found that routine did little to dull the chaos of his thoughts. Although sometimes he even deceives himself.
"Captain, the sensors have scanned the sector ahead. It's a G-shaped galaxy, with a red giant star and three orbiting planets," he reported the displayed data.
The captain nodded. Since Ingemar's console was located in front of the captain's chair, his back was to the captain and he could not see the captain's reaction, so Ingemar waited for further instructions.
"Once we enter Wa
If p jumps, notify the mapping team," the captain finally gave the order.
"Yes, Captain," Ingmar confirmed, concentrating fully on his data. No matter what, he didn't want to get lost in thought anymore. Not again.
