Amanda - Part 5 and Epilogue

Amanda

By RHMichaud
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Angst
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Enterprise and the crew. No financial gain is being made from this fiction.

~~~~~

Part 5

Frustration was mounting. Trip was not getting anywhere asking for answers from Reed or anyone for that matter. Maybe finding out what had happened would help him understand what was going on now. Trip calmed his voice and tried this new approach.

“Okay, then can you at least tell me what happened down there? What happened when you found Amanda and when you disappeared?”

Reed looked at Trip. He could see the worry and concern written in Trip’s face. He decided some answers would be okay and he chose his words carefully.

Reed told Trip how he and Fodor had found Amanda and made their way back to Page’s ship. Then how he had woken aboard the Orion Slave Ship and how surprised he had been to find Phlox and Travis there waiting to bring them back to Enterprise.

“Cap’n said that Dolun made a deal to get her back,” Trip pried hoping Reed would give him more.

“Yes, that is what I heard as well.”

They sat quietly for a moment or two before Reed broke the awkward silence.

“Are you hungry? Would you like to take a walk to the mess hall?”

“Are you sure it’s okay to take me out of the room?” Trip asked.

“Why wouldn’t it be okay? No one said that I couldn’t and you look like you could use a bite to eat, besides, I could use a cup of tea.”

Trip threw off the blankets and put his feet on the floor, “Great, I’m tired of sitting around here doing nothing. I could use a walk.”

~~~~~

“Did you get some sleep Captain?” Phlox asked as Archer entered sickbay.

Archer tipped his head, giving Phlox a curious look, “how did you- T'Pol. I should have known she would tell you. Yes. I did get some rest. How is Amanda doing?”

“She is still unresponsive. I have noted only subtle changes in her brain pattern, but I cannot be sure if this is normal for her.”

“Has T'Pol had any luck?”

“T'Pol is a bit reluctant to try. She believes it would be better to wait for someone who has more experience and who is more familiar in these situations. I must agree with her. There is much that we do not know and she could unintentionally cause more damage.”

Archer sighed heavily, “I guess I can understand, but waiting is not one of my strong points. Is there anything we can do for Amanda right now?”

“Medically, we are doing everything that we can.”

“Are we? Sorry Phlox, I know that you are.” Archer immediately apologized for questioning him.

“There is one thing that may help, Captain. You might not agree, but I do think it would be helpful to more than just Amanda.”

“I thought we were in agreement not to tell him, not till we had to,” Archer shook his head. “No, I don’t think…”

“Captain, you have heard about people in a coma, how they remember hearing family talking to them. That those voices helped them to recover.”

“But she isn’t in a coma.”

“Not as medically defined, but she is in a state of unconsciousness that we are unable to understand. It is possible that she will respond to someone’s voice. Someone who means something to her. Someone she trusts.”

“Trip.”

Phlox nodded. “Yes. I believe that Commander Tucker may be able to reach her subconscious.”

Archer was hesitant to tell Trip what they had discovered about Amanda’s past. “I don’t know.”

As Archer wrestled with the decision… the comm sounded.

“T'Pol to Captain Archer”

Archer moved to the comm panel. “Archer here.”

“Captain, if you are rested, there are some things we need to discuss.” T'Pol stated.

“Meet me in my ready room. Archer out.”

Archer glanced at Phlox. “Maybe I will be able to tell Trip something soon. I will let you know.” Then he left sickbay.

~~~~~

Reed and Trip sat in the mess hall. Reed was sipping a cup of tea; Trip was barely making a dent in a bowl of oatmeal. They had been sitting there for about half and hour or so.

“How is the oatmeal today?” Reed asked as he watched Trip stir the mush over and over.

“I don’t think I’m hungry any more.” Trip answered. “Think we could stroll down to Engineerin’?”

“You are supposed to be resting. I don’t think Engineering is on the tour today.”

“Ya, but I haven’t seen ma engines in nearly a week. How would you feel if ya hadn’t been in the Armory for that long,” Trip’s southern drawl was becoming more evident as he tried to convince Reed to let him go to Engineering. “Com’on Mal, I’m not gonna work, I just wanna see how things are runnin’”

Reed studied Trip for a moment. “Okay, just a quick look, but no touching anything. No working at all, got it?”

Trip nodded, “yes Sir.”

Reed finished his cup of tea and they left.

~~~~~

T'Pol and Hoshi had been telling Archer what they had uncovered about Amanda’s past. Hoshi had decoded the information and the reports were on the computer screen in front of Archer. The leather journal from Amanda’s belongings was open on the desk.

For a few moments Archer was silent. “So, does this mean she is an augment?”

“Not exactly,” T'Pol began. “Only her brain has been altered. Her neural pathways and memory engrams have been enhanced. There does not appear to be any of the other genetic aberrations that have been seen in augments.”

“And you’re sure this is the work of Dr. Soong?” Archer questioned.

“Although his name does not appear in any of the documents that we have uncovered, the equations and research is undoubtedly the work of Dr. Arik Soong.” T'Pol confirmed.

“I did find the initials A. S., which could have been referring to Arik Soong.” Hoshi began to explain. “The reports state that a hidden genetics research facility somewhere in the Midwestern United States had been raided. Evidence was found of testing on humans, but none of the people found at the facility had any enhancements. A lot of the computer records at the facility had been erased before the raid, but they were able to recover some information. There were indications that a test subject, referred to as M.A., was no older than three. They found one record of an I.Q. test on subject M.A. and the results were beyond genius. It was thought that the child had gotten away just before the raid. They tracked a couple of former lab workers from the facility. This couple, a man and a woman, were traveling with a young child, a girl. They lost track of them in Florida.”

“Florida. Is this where Trip fits in to the puzzle?” Archer asked as he pulled a photograph from the journal on his desk.

“This is why you need to talk to Commander Tucker. You will need him to verify the identity of the child in that photograph. It may turn out that this child is the missing test subject, which would explain the seemingly unnatural pull that Amanda has toward Commander Tucker.” T'Pol stated.

“The authorities never found the child in Florida. One report says that the female lab worker may have taken the child off planet, while the other lab worker stayed behind to cover their escape. None of them were ever found.” Hoshi concluded.

“What would they have done to her if they had found her?” Archer wondered aloud.

“It is clear that the work of Dr. Soong was regarded as potentially dangerous and a threat to the genome. It is likely, had she been caught, that she would have been destroyed. As she would now if she was to be found.” T'Pol didn’t even bat an eyelash as she answered Archer’s question.

“She is like a walking information recorder. One that can remember all she has been told, seen or read. She would be an asset to any terrorist faction of any species.” Hoshi commented.

“Not if they can’t find her. Did you get in touch with your friends T'Pol?” Archer asked.

“I have contacted a colleague on Vulcan. There will be a transport ship waiting for us at the agreed location. At our current speed, we should be there in forty-two point five hours.”

“And you told them this was not to go to the High Council; that no one can know?”

“They do not hold the High Council in the best regards and have agreed to keep this situation as quiet as possible.” T'Pol explained.

Archer nodded his head. “Thank you both. I guess it’s time for me to have a chat with Trip. Dismissed.”

~~~~~

Archer was surprised to find his quarters empty when he got there. He went to the comm panel.

“Archer to Reed.”

“Reed here Sir.”

“Where are you, and is Trip with you?” Archer was hoping they weren’t in sickbay.

It was Trip that answered Archer’s questions. “I’m right here Cap’n, we’re in Engineerin’.”

“Is there something wrong, what are you doing in Engineering?”

“It’s my fault Captain,” Reed began.

“Nope, it was me Cap’n. I made Malcolm take me out. I needed to check on my engines.” Trip confessed.

“Well, I think it is time for some answers. Lieutenant, would you see that Trip makes it to my dining room?”

“Yes sir. Right away. Reed out.”

~~~~~

A few minutes later, Archer and Trip were seated at the table in the Captain’s dining room. A hot pot of coffee and two cups were in the middle of the table. Archer had the leather journal in front of him. He laid his hand on top of it as started to talk.

“I know I have been a bit evasive with answers to the questions that you have had lately.” Trip was going to interrupt, but Archer held his hand up and continued. “Just let me continue.”

Archer pulled that photograph from the journal once again. He placed it on the table in front of Trip.

Trip pulled the photo closer and tipped it to get a better look. He spoke without looking up from the photo.

“Where’d you get this picture?” He asked.

“Do you recognize it?” Archer asked.

“It’s me an’ Lizzie an’ Emma.”

“Emma? Who is Emma?”

“Emma was a neighbor. They didn’t stay long. Only `bout a month or so. Why? An’ where did you get the picture?” Trip asked again.

“In a minute Trip. First, what do you remember about Emma and her family?”

“Let me think. They moved in one summer day, just Emma and her parents. Not real social people, at least not her parents. Lizzie an Emma hit it off immediately. They loved to play together. I thought she was a pain.” Trip stopped talking.

“Wasn’t Emma a lot younger than your sister and you? Was that why she was a pain?” Archer pushed Trip to tell him more.

“She was younger, but smart. Real smart, she was always askin’ me to explain what I was doin’, why I was doin’ it, how things worked. She would follow me everywhere when she could get out. Lizzie kept her off my back a lot. They liked to play together. They were always singin’ and dancin’.” Trip stared at the photo thinking back.

“Smart, like too smart for her age?” Trip nodded as Archer continued. “You say ‘when she could get out’, was she not allowed to go out?”

“Her parents kept her inside, but she would sneak out any chance she could. They always knew to check with us first and Emma would be with Lizzie an’ me. Then they left. Lizzie cried for days. She missed Emma.”

“Where did they go?”

“They just moved away one night, never said goodbye. Never saw ‘em again.” Trip put the photo down on the table and looked Archer in the eyes. “Now, are you gonna tell me what this is all about? Where did you get this picture?”

“I didn’t want to tell you anything till I found out the truth. This girl, Emma, was part of Dr. Arik Soong’s research.” Archer began to explain.

“An augment?” Trip asked in disbelief.

“Not to that extent. Her brain was the only thing genetically altered. Her memory and mental abilities were enhanced beyond genius.”

“Beyond genius. No wonder she was so smart. But where did you get the picture and why hide all this from me? It happened so long ago.” Trip was about to finally ‘get the picture’.

Archer began slowly, hoping Trip would make the connection himself. “I wasn’t sure how you would take this. How long ago was that picture taken?”

“Probably around eighteen years ago. Why?”

“And how old do you think Emma was in that picture?” Archer continued.

Trip stared at the photo. “I dunno; it’s hard to say because she was so smart.”

“Look at her size; do you think maybe three years old?” Archer prompted.

“I guess, maybe.”

“So that would make her at least twenty-one today, right?” Again Archer hoped Trip could make the connection.

“Ya, and your point is?” Trip was not making this easy.

“You said Emma was too smart. Okay, how about I tell you that her parents, or those you knew to be her parents, took her off planet that night that they left. That they were trying to evade the authorities to keep Emma from being taken away. To keep her from being dissected and studied like a lab rat. So, they got on a deep space freighter and left. That was about eighteen years ago. Then while in space, her parents died and she was alone, but she never forgot you.” Archer stopped. He could see that Trip was getting it.

Trip’s face went white and his mouth dropped open.

“No way. She can’t be.”

“Yes, she can. Hoshi and Travis found that photograph inside this journal. This journal was among Amanda’s belongings. It is Amanda’s picture. Emma and Amanda are the same person. That’s why she is so attached to you. She has met you before, she knows you.” Archer slid the journal across the table to Trip.

Trip laid his bandaged hand upon the journal and traced the edge of the binding with his left hand. He looked at Archer.

“What is it Trip?” Archer asked as watched Trip caress the book.

Trip swallowed and coughed to clear the lump in his throat. “This was mine. My dad had given it to me. Lizzie took it an gave it to Emma when she said she needed somethin’ to write in. I can’t believe this is happening. Why didn’t ya tell me sooner?”

“I’m sorry Trip. I wanted to be sure before I told you anything. I had a hard time believing it myself. I had to be sure.” Archer tried to convince himself that keeping the information from Trip for so long was justified.

“What happens now? You keep tellin’ me that she’s gonna be all right; is there something else ya aren’t tellin’ me?” Trip was clearly upset.

“Doctor Phlox has done everything he can, but her brain is so far advanced that he doesn’t have the knowledge to help her any further.”

“Is she brain dead?” Trip asked cautiously, not wanting to hear the answer.

“No Trip. No. Her brain is functioning, but not on a conscious level. Her involuntary motor functions are working normally. She is breathing, heart pumping, that sort of thing. Her higher brain functions are, well, they have shut down. Doctor Phlox thinks the extract they were giving her was clouding her mind; not letting her brain work to its full potential. To keep her under control. Now that she is not getting the extract, her brain my have gone into an overload or something like that. I don’t understand all the technical medical stuff that Phlox was telling me, but I do know that she needs more care than we can offer her.”

“An’ that’s why we are goin’ someplace in such a hurry.” Trip guessed.

“We are on our way to meet a Vulcan transport ship.” Archer told him.

“You’re gonna hand her over to the Vulcans?” Trip blurted out.

“It’s not like that Trip.” Archer calmly said. “They can offer more advanced treatment options. They know so much more about the mind and brain functions.”

“About Vulcan brains; Amanda isn’t Vulcan. Dr. Phlox can help her. He’s studied all kinds a different medical stuff. Why can’t he use a slime worm or somethin’?” Trip insisted.

Archer shook his head. “It isn’t that simple. I wish it was. I wish he could snap his fingers and she would be fine, but you and I know that is not going to happen. Amanda has suffered some kind of brain trauma that Phlox can’t just fix. It is going to take someone who has had more experience in the treatment of the brain. Someone like the Vulcans. They will take good care of her.”

Trip stared at the photo and the journal. He knew that Archer was right; that the Vulcans were more advanced in medicine and that they had mental abilities that were unusual. That they just might be Amanda’s best chance for recovery.

Archer let Trip sit quietly for a few minutes, absorbing the information that he had just been given.

“Phlox thinks that it might help if someone talks to Amanda. Someone who she knows and trusts. Feel like going to sickbay?” Archer did not have to wait for an answer. Trip was on his feet before Archer could finish his question.

~~~~~

The next morning Archer walked into sickbay. Phlox met him just inside the doors.

“How are they doing Doctor?” Archer asked.

“Commander Tucker has barely left her side. He has been talking to her about everything from Florida to the stars. I did convince him to stop for a bit of shut eye, but I couldn’t keep him away for long. I had to have food brought in or he might not have even eaten.” Phlox reported.

“Maybe I should make Trip go back to his quarters before he wears himself out.”

“I have been keeping a close eye on Mr. Tucker’s health. I believe that if he were to be forced away from Amanda at this time, he would lapse into a depression. Or perhaps even become enraged. I think it would be best to let him stay here. Besides, I have noticed an increase in Amanda’s neural functions. He may be getting through to her.” Phlox explained.

“Has she regained consciousness?” Archer was hopeful that the answer would be yes.

Phlox shook his head, “I’m sorry Captain. She has not. Unfortunately, I do not foresee that outcome any time soon.” Phlox paused, then asked, “How long before we rendezvous with the Vulcans?”

“We should be there by fourteen hundred hours.”

“That would be less than six hours from now.” Phlox figured.

“I should let Trip know.” Archer said as he and Phlox walked to where Amanda’s bed was curtained off.

Phlox pulled back the curtain. They were surprised at what they saw. Trip had dozed off. He had fallen asleep with his head lying by Amanda’s side. Amanda’s hand was slowly caressing Trip’s disheveled hair. Her eyes were not open. Phlox quickly moved to the monitors as he ran his scanner over Amanda’s head. He studied the results then motioned Archer to step back. They moved away from the sleeping pair.

“What’s going on?” Archer asked with a hint of hope. “Is she getting better?”

“Her neural impulses are firing, but there is no sign of consciousness. I believe this could be an involuntary response to stimuli. Like a learned response, perhaps from when she was younger. It is not something that I would have expected.” Phlox was as perplexed as Archer.

“It must be a good sign, though. At least it is some hope.” Archer was determined to think positive.

“Yes Captain. It is indeed promising.”

“Let me know when either one of them wake up. I need to get a few things together before we meet up with the Vulcan ship.” Archer said as he headed for the door.

~~~~~

It was hours later when Phlox called Archer to tell him that Trip was awake. Archer had gone down to sickbay right away.

“Doc said that Amanda was playin’ with my hair while I was sleepin’.

“It looked like she was trying to comfort you. It was amazing.” Archer told Trip.

They sat quietly for a moment. Trip was looking through the journal. He stopped at a page near the back of the book.

“Did you see this drawing?” Trip asked as he showed the page to Archer. “She musta done it while me an Malcolm were in the prison.”

Archer looked at the drawing. It was a detailed drawing of Trip and Malcolm. “She is quite the artist.”

“And then there are these.” Trip showed Archer more drawings, sketches and notes which detailed all sorts of ships and humanoids. But the one that he stopped at was a remarkable, exquisite sketch of Enterprise. “I wonder when she did this one.”

Archer moved Trip to a different subject. “We are nearly in range of the Vulcan transport ship. They will be sending a shuttle over to pick up Amanda. Doctor Phlox will need to prepare her for the transfer. Why don’t you and I take a little walk. We will be back before she leaves.” Archer added as Trip started to protest.

Reluctantly, Trip stood up and they walked towards the door. He looked back at the tranquil, sleeping Amanda.

~~~~~

Trip stood looking out the window in the Captain’s dining room.

“Come on Trip. Sit down and eat. I had Chef make your favorite, fried catfish. And there is pecan pie for dessert.” Archer tried to get Trip back to the table.

“I can still see the Vulcan ship.” Trip whispered.

“That is not possible. We have been moving in opposite directions at warp speed for nearly twenty-four hours.” T'Pol stated.

Trip turned back to the table and returned to his seat.

“I didn’t mean I could see it, I meant I still see it leavin’ with Amanda. I never got ta know her again and now she’s gone.” Trip explained.

“She is in the best of hands right now Trip.” Archer tried to console him.

“I know. I know.” Trip sighed.

~~~~~

EPILOGUE

It had been four months since Enterprise had left Amanda with the Vulcans. Life was back to normal for Trip. His burnt hand had healed and he was working again. Today had been a long day in Engineering. Trip just finished a double shift. He slowly made his way back to his quarters. After a long, hot shower, Trip sat down in front of his computer. He keyed open the file and sat back.

Two weeks before, Doctor Phlox had received a communication from Vulcan. It was a medical progress report on Amanda. Phlox had been eager to share the results with everyone, especially Trip.

Amanda’s recovery was nothing short of a miracle. Within a week of her being on Vulcan, she had regained consciousness and another two weeks after that she had total brain function. Phlox studied the medical data and marveled at the regenerative properties that Amanda’s brain possessed. Those properties and a desire to survive had been a major influence on her recovery.

At the end of the medical report that Phlox had received, there was a video showing just how much progress Amanda had accomplished in the past four months. The last entry was the vid that Trip was about to watch yet again. Hoshi had translated it for him, as the words had been in Vulcan and in Italian.

The vid began as Amanda stepped onto an open air stage. There was an audience of various humanoids. Trip noticed that her neck had healed with only a faint scar. She was beautiful. Then she began to speak, in Vulcan.

Hoshi translated her words to be, "I sing this song for a certain person who is far away, but will always be near to my heart.”

Amanda never mentioned his name, but it was clear that she was referring to Trip.

She sang in Italian. It was a song written in the early twenty-first century by an Italian composer. It had been recorded at that time by a British tenor. The song was Amore E Musica. Amanda was not a tenor, but she made the music sound amazing. It was truly a miracle that her voice had recovered enough to perform to this degree.

Each time Trip watched the video, he felt that Amanda was where she needed to be. She was safe. She was healthy.

Amanda finished the song and then she looked skyward. A single tear slid down her cheek.

As he turned the computer off, a tear slid down Trip’s cheek.

The End

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