The Journey – Part 1 – Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Trip and T’Pol spent the next several days reporting to work, eating meals, and heading back to his or her quarters to talk and make love. Trip said he now understood why newly married couples took 1-2 weeks for a honeymoon. They went to movie night, which was Mel Brooks ‘High Anxiety’. T’Pol kind of liked it, but Hoshi thought it was stupid. Seems she hadn’t liked Mel Brooks’ movies after having to sit through ‘Blazing Saddles’. They had their first practice with the Bat’leth with Malcolm, who had managed to talk Hoshi into participating, not just watching.

Trip was floating around the ship in his own little world and had his staff amazed at how much he seemed like the Trip who first came aboard Enterprise. No one speculated as to why, they were just happy to have him back. His interactions were relaxed and friendly. He addressed his staff by their last name, unless asking them as their superior to compete a task. He didn’t issue orders, he asked them to do things and left them alone to get it done, and if they had questions he simply answered them without making them feel stupid. He worked on the photon torpedoes for Malcolm, then went to the Armory to meet Malcolm so they could complete the work.

When he got there Malcolm was under the launcher working away and whistling. He let Malcolm know he was there, but Malcolm didn’t say anything or come out, he just kept whistling. Trip started looking at the torpedo readouts and as he made notes he became aware of what Malcolm was whistling. ‘The Yellow Rose of Texas’. Trip started sweating. He and Malcolm had been slightly drunk the night Hoshi told them yellow roses were her favorite flower and they had started into a rendition of that song until Hoshi threatened to dump the punch bowl over their heads if they didn’t stop whatever that was they were doing because it certainly wasn’t singing. Trip couldn’t carry a tune for anything and Malcolm was almost as bad. Trip turned, folded his arms across his chest, leaned back, and waited for Malcolm to do or say something.

Several minutes later Trip heard “Damn” and Malcolm came out holding his thumb. He grabbed a towel and wiped off his hands looking straight at Trip. “There’s something you and I need to talk about, buddy?”

“Yeah, I can see that,” Trip didn’t know what to say. He waited to see what Malcolm had to say.

“Last night I was in Hoshi’s room watching Monty Python. There are these 2 yellow roses with a card, which she has put in plastic to save. I had noticed them before and wondered if maybe she had a beau back on Earth. I decided to ask her last night. Before I got the chance she saw me staring at them and asked if I had sent them. She was standing behind me, so she couldn’t see my reaction. I started running things through my head trying to figure out how she could possibly think I had sent them. Then I remembered the yellow flower petal stuck in my door a few weeks back. I remembered the night she told you and I that her favorite flower was the yellow rose and about friendship being important, and our singing. When I turned to tell her ‘no’ they weren’t from me I saw the hope in her eyes that I had sent them…” he paused “… and if that were true then she had saved them because I was important to her. I couldn’t smash that hope, so I lied to her about something I had nothing to do with, because, oh I don’t know my best friend decided to play matchmaker?”

Trip knew he was mad and he had every right to be. He couldn’t remember the last time Malcolm had said that much at one time. He usually kept things to himself.

“Trip tell him the truth about trying to get them together because they were attracted to one another, leave out the rest.”

“I know darlin. He’s really mad. I’ll tell him and I want to tell them both about our relationship too. Is it okay if I ask him and Hoshi to meet us in the observation deck before dinner.”

“Yes. I will meet you there after my shift.”

” Mal, I know you’re mad at me, but I can explain. T’Pol and I were talking and noticed that you and Hoshi were attracted to each other, so we decided to give you both a little push in the right direction.”

“So T’Pol is part of this little plot too?”

“She heard rumors that Hoshi had a crush on you and began watching her on the bridge to confirm it and discovered you felt the same way. We figured you would let rules get in your way and I know you have a difficult time dealing with women, so we were going to do a secret admirer thing to both of you, but Hoshi went to T’Pol about the flowers and when we realized how much she wanted them to be from you we trashed the whole idea and just found ways to get you two to spend time together. It seems to have worked. I’m sorry about the flowers. Are you sure you don’t want to tell her it was me?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I wish I had sent them and I don’t want her upset because I didn’t. So you and T’Pol are together?”

“Well, we need to talk about that too, but not right now. Can you and Hoshi meet us in the observation deck after our shift ends?”

“Hoshi and I have plans, so I’ll let her know and we’ll meet you.”

“Are we okay?”

“You’re lucky this worked out the way you wanted it to and I’m happy that it did too. We just have to keep it quiet, so the Captain and Starfleet don’t get wind of it.”

“You’re good at what you do Malcolm and if it’s important enough you’ll do what you have to do and so will I. Let’s get to work on these torpedoes. T’Pol helped me figure out the last of these tweaks and I think you’re going to be a very happy man.”

Trip arrived at the observation deck first. He was sitting at the table looking out the window when T’Pol arrived. Malcolm and Hoshi arrived just as Trip and T’Pol’s fingers touched. Hoshi knew that Vulcan couples greeted one another that way in public. She’d suspected they were more than friends, but they had never done anything to confirm that. They sat down at the table.

Trip cleared his throat and started. “We need to talk to you because as our friends there are a couple of things you need to know. T’Pol and I have become more than friends.”

While Trip was searching for the words to say Hoshi stated, “So you’re dating?”

Trip looked to T’Pol. “No, it’s a little more involved than dating, we’re married.”

Both Malcolm and Hoshi’s jaw dropped. Malcolm spoke up. “How could you be married? You started being good friends again last month, you haven’t left the ship and I don’t remember any weddings taking place on Enterprise.”

T’Pol took over. “Vulcan couples enter into a relationship as bondmates. A mental telepathic connection forms between them and once that connection is completed the couple are considered married. That is what has taken place between Trip and I.”

Malcolm looked at Trip. That was what was so important. “That’s what you two did the other night when you had me secure your quarters? You formed this bond?”

“No, Malcolm as close as we can tell the bond started to form while we were in the expanse. We weren’t aware of it. Let’s just say several circumstances kept us from recognizing it until I went to Columbia. I left because I was sure we would never be more than friends, but everything just got worse. She was in my head and I couldn’t get her out. I kept ending up in this white room with her and things with the crew there went from bad to worse. They hated me.”

Hoshi questioned. “So is that why you came back to Enterprise?”

“I asked to come back and then T’Pol asked me to come back, I thought we were going to work things out, but then Terra Prime happened and Elizabeth died and we were both devastated again. I didn’t really understand this bond, but I thought it was broken. Turns out I was wrong. All those headaches, not sleeping, and my dreams were the bond. We started talking and working things out just before the Zellerites showed up. We talked to Phlox about it and he said the bond was strong and permanent, even though it wasn’t complete yet.”

Malcolm laughed. “Well, that explains a lot. What exactly does this bond do?”

T’Pol tried to explain. “We are not sure about all the things our bond means yet, it changed and became stronger when we completed it. We share our thoughts and feelings. We have no secrets from one another. I do not have to ask what Trip needs I just know and he knows what I need. We will have to wait and see about the rest.”

Malcolm understood what the other night was about. “You got married the other night?”

Trip smiled. “Technically, according to Vulcan traditions we were already married, but I felt like we missed the dating stage of things, so we tried to do that, but it ended being a very short courtship. T’Pol couldn’t wait.” Trip felt her reaction. There was no change to her expression, but he could feel her slight embarrassment. Trip continued. “We just finally accepted how we felt about our bond, and it just felt right, so we completed it.”

Hoshi was stunned. “Bonded to someone, having them in your head, what is that like? Isn’t it scary?”

“T’Pol’s used to having her parents bond, so she has some idea. Vulcans grow up knowing about bonds. At first it sounded scary to me. It was more frustrating though because I didn’t know what was happening to me and it took me a while to sort out what is me and what is T’Pol, but now I can’t imagine her not being there. I’m never alone, she’s always there for support and encouragement. I’m sure not everyone would want this, but as for me I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is very private to Vulcans and we’re telling you, but we would like to keep this private.”

“Hoshi and I haven’t heard anything through the ship’s grapevine about you two. I did overhear one of the crewman in the galley say something about a meal that he’d delivered to your room, but Chef got in his face and reminded him that if he heard any rumors that came from his galley about anyone on this ship, whoever talked would be dropped off at the first Starfleet base Enterprise arrived at and that Chef would make his life miserable until then. I assume you mean you don’t want Starfleet or the Vulcans to know?”

“Actually we don’t want the Captain or Starfleet to know. Soval already knows and he says that any Vulcan who spends any time in the same room with us will know, so it’s useless to even try to hide it from them. I know you haven’t really said anything, but it’s obvious you two are in a similar situation as far as fraternization rules go.”

Malcolm looked at Hoshi and she nodded her head. “Hoshi and I are dating and we would also like to stay under the radar. Looks like we need to help each other.”

“Can I tell them about the ceremony and invite them, darlin?”

“Yes, I would like them to be there.”

Trip relaxed. “Well now that all out in the open we can figure it out. When we get to Vulcan Soval is arranging a ceremony to make our bond and marriage official on Vulcan. We would like you two to be there.”

Malcolm asked. “How are we going to explain to the Captain why the four of us need to go to the planet at the same time?”

“I’ll talk to Soval and see if he can arrange something as a thank you for all your help with these diplomatic talks.”

“Seems like you and the Ambassador have become friends and I thought Vulcans don’t have friends.” Malcolm said.

T’Pol’s eyebrow shot up at Malcolm. “I’m Vulcan and you are my friends.”

Trip laughed. She’d nailed him good and Malcolm couldn’t believe it. Nice to see her dry, sharp wit could be directed at someone besides him. “Let’s go get some dinner.”

Later Trip and T’Pol went to her quarters. Trip commented on the fact that Malcolm was more upset that he’d had to lie to Hoshi about the flowers than the fact that Trip had given them to her. He was surprised that Malcolm didn’t tell her and that told him that Malcolm really cared about her and wanted to protect her so much that he did something totally against his character. Malcolm would lie to do his job if he had to, but he valued honesty.

The next several days were spent getting ready to meet with the government of Andor and the Imperial Guard. Trip, T’Pol, and Malcolm worked out security arrangements. Trip had requested that Malcolm, a team of Maco, and T’Pol accompany him to the surface. Captain Archer wasn’t happy about it, but could find no reason to object. Admiral Gardner had made it clear that Trip had gotten them this far and Starfleet Command was going to let him complete the diplomatic mission. Evidently, Ambassador Soval had been exercising his influence with those in command. Archer didn’t know why the Ambassador had become a strong supporter of Trip, as a diplomat, but he obviously had his own agenda and Captain Archer could do nothing to stop him at this point.

The four musketeers, as the crew had began referring to Trip, T’Pol, Malcolm, and Hoshi were seen all over the ship together. The guys would have a night out while T’Pol and Hoshi were in each others quarters. Sometimes they would be talking or Hoshi would be learning to meditate and do neuro-pressure. Other times they simply worked on separate things in the same room. Trip and Malcolm did the same. They would get together as a group for movie night and talk afterwards, have practice sessions with various weapons, or play Go in the mess hall or observation deck. They established a routine of comings and goings from each others quarters at all hours, so much so that there was no gossip, because they were all just friends.

Malcolm and Hoshi were sharing quarters together most nights. They didn’t need to switch back and forth because for now their quarters were almost across from each other. Malcolm and Trip had done some tweaking to their comm units, so that Trip’s comm could be heard in T’Pol quarters and hers could be heard in Trip’s quarters. Malcolm connected his own to Hoshi’s quarters. They also made adjustments to the security sweeps. These were backed up onto a Starfleet server and were accessible to command staff on Earth and aboard Enterprise. They made it appear everybody was sleeping exactly where they were supposed to be.

They were in the Andorian system. There was a formal dinner planned that Trip was required to attend. He had to wear his dress uniform, which he didn’t like, but T’Pol had gone to his quarters without telling him, taken the shirt and had the quartermaster make some adjustments to the collar, so it wasn’t as uncomfortable. T’Pol attended the dinner, and Malcolm the Macos came along as security.

When Commander Shran showed up Trip asked him to join them at their table “Commander any suggestions on how to deal with your government and the Imperial Guard would be greatly appreciated.”

“I know they are going to offer ships to patrol the Coridan border. The details have not been worked out yet. That’s what you’re here for.” Shran poured Trip and T’Pol a glass of Andorian Ale. Trip hated the taste, but lifted his glass to Shran’s and took a sip anyway.

“Thanks. At least I know they’ve already decided to help, I just need to get a firm commitment now, work out some details. Commander is there anyway you could arrange a short tour, so we can see a little of Andor while we’re here.”

Shran thought for a moment. “Is there any particular place you’d like to see?”

“No, the only Andorians I’ve met until tonight were from your ship and Jhamel. I came out here to be an explorer and I’d really like to meet some ordinary Andorians and see how they live.”

“There’s a town near here I’ll see if I can arrange to go there for lunch while you’re here. Will Commander T’Pol being accompanying you?”

“Yes, she will if that’s okay?”

“It’s fine Commander Tucker I will make sure the security personnel are loyal to me.” Shran remembered the last time a Vulcan visited the Andorian Empire.

“I’d appreciate that. Lieutenant Reed will also be providing security for all Enterprise personnel.”

When they returned to Enterprise Captain Archer called them into his ready room.

“It seems the Vulcans have gotten some intelligence that the Orion Syndicate is not happy with Starfleet, especially you Trip.”

“What’d I do to get on their bad side?”

“They’re still upset that you and T’Pol prevented them from taking Enterprise and also they blame you for interfering with their slave trading. Seems they aren’t happy about this new agreement you’re helping negotiate.”

Malcolm’s concern showed on his face and in his voice. “Did the Vulcans give us any information on what they might be up to?”

“No, they didn’t. Ambassador Soval asked that you contact him asap, Trip.”

Trip turned to Hoshi, “Can you get Soval for me, and he’s on Vulcan.” Hoshi left to contact the Ambassador.

Captain Archer wondered how Trip knew where Soval was. They weren’t due to be on Vulcan for four more days and he hadn’t received any word about Soval being there. “Soval is on Vulcan?”

“Yeah, Captain he told me…” Then Trip realized why the Captain was asking. Who had informed Trip of the Ambassador Soval’s whereabouts and why?

“I know I should pay attention when you’re talking to me darlin, but I heard Orion syndicate and their not being happy and I don’t like that.”

“I understand you are concerned, but the Captain wants an answer. It means you will have to lie and I know how much you dislike that. You could tell him you were asking for advice on your diplomatic duties and Enterprise’s visit to Vulcan.”

Trip smiled. “Actually that’s true. I was asking for advice for our visit to Vulcan. It just didn’t have anything to do with diplomacy.”

Trip finished his statement. “He told me when I contacted him about our visit to Vulcan. I don’t know enough about Vulcan customs, so I was asking his advice and he said he’d be on Vulcan meeting with the High Council to prepare for my meeting with them.”

Malcolm was used to Trip and T’Pol talking to each other through their bond. It didn’t bother him anymore and they usually only did it in situations where they were in public and needed to discuss something or places that required quiet when they wanted to talk.

“Darlin, remind me I have to talk to Soval. If I’m going to have to lie to my Captain, I damned well want to know why.”

“Perhaps you should ask him when Hoshi reaches him.”

“Somehow, I don’t think that is a discussion for an open Starfleet channel. We need to go over the security. Anything that involves the Orions bothers me. I don’t want them anywhere near you.”

“I do not want them near you either.”

“They only tried to seduce me and that’s never gonna happen, so don’t worry.”

“We know that, but the Orions do not.”

Trip turned his attention to Malcolm. “Lieutenant, could we go over the security arrangements again. We might want to see about modifying sensors to detect Orion warp signatures.”

Malcolm handed him his padd that had all the security laid out. “I’ll assign a Maco to each of you. Talk to the Ambassador and let’s see where we are.”

Hoshi came back. “Commander, I have the Ambassador for you. Where would you like me to connect him?”

Captain Archer spoke up. “Ensign put him in here.”

“Yes, sir.” She turned and left.

Trip would have liked a little privacy, but it couldn’t be helped. Soval came up on the vid screen. Trip gave him the Vulcan salute. “Live long and proper, Ambassador Soval.”

“Peace and long life, Commander Tucker.”

“The Captain says you wanted me to contact you.”

“Yes. The Security Ministry has informed the High Council that the Orion Syndicate may be trying to disrupt the discussions you are having regarding their slave trading. They would still like to get their hands on Enterprise and now you and Commander T’Pol seem to be of interest to them.”

“Have you received anything specific?”

“No, but we did find operatives on Earth and Vulcan working with the Orions. The High Council is concerned for Commander T’Pol’s safety. They would not react well to any Vulcan citizen being taken by the Orions.” Trip knew what Soval was saying without saying it. The High council was concerned for the safety of Surak’s descendant. He also knew that as T’Pol’s husband he was considered a Vulcan citizen and the High Council had no choice, but to ensure his safety also. Soval would have told the Council when they were threatened. T’Pol had explained this all to him, but he hadn’t thought it important until now.

“So do you have any suggestions for us?”

“A Vulcan cruiser is on its way to meet Enterprise. It will serve as an escort to Enterprise and also provide additional security for both you and Commander T’Pol.”

“Lieutenant Reed has a thorough security plan set up.” Trip had confidence in Malcolm, but he was still glad the Vulcans were sending some backup.

“I have full confidence in his ability to protect the crew of Enterprise, but the High Council wanted Commander T’Pol removed from Enterprise. This was the only compromise they found acceptable. The sensors on Vulcan ships are much more sensitive than Enterprises and we have been dealing with the syndicate since it was formed, so they may be able to detect any Orion activity in the area much easier.

Captain Archer asked. “When will your ship arrive?”

“They should be there by morning?”

Archer looked at Malcolm. “Lieutenant Reed you’ll need to coordinate your security protocols with the Vulcan’s security when they arrive.”

Trip was trying to figure out how to bring up their ceremony in a room full of people. “Ambassador thanks for your help. The information you gave me last time we talked was very helpful, but there’s so much more I need to learn.” He hated talking in code.

“Commander, when we last spoke you expressed an interest in visiting a monastery on Vulcan.”

“Yeah, that’s why we were at P’Jem, but that visit turned out not to be a sight-seeing tour. I’d still like to visit a monastery.”

“Mt. Seleya is not far by shuttle from the Council chambers. I have arranged for you and Commander T’Pol to visit for 2 hours there, if you wish. I assumed you’d feel more comfortable if Commander T’Pol accompanied you, as she knows the history and is Vulcan.”

“That’s great Ambassador.” Trip couldn’t keep the smile off his face. “Lieutenant Reed would need to come along, as security, and if they’d have no objection Ensign Sato might like to come along. She has an interest in other cultures and traditions and she also wanted to ask about some Vulcan text in an ancient dialect. It would be easier on us if she were there rather than having her ask a thousand questions later.” This was true Hoshi had wanted to visit a monastery. Her grandparents took her to several in Japan and she found they were the place to learn about the most interesting parts of any culture, because the structures and the art within them held the history of the area around it.

“That shouldn’t be a problem. Will the Ensign be on Enterprise or on Vulcan?”

“She’ll probably be on Enterprise.”

“I’ll make arrangements to have her transported to Mt. Seleya from Enterprise then.” Soval lifted his hand. “Live long and prosper, Commanders.”

Trip put his hand up with the salute. “Peace and long life, Ambassador.” That went better than Trip had anticipated. The ceremony was set, Soval knew there would be guest and Captain Archer had no clue. Trip was beginning to feel uncomfortable with how easily he lied by omission or stretched the truth or reshaped it to suit his needs.

Trip sat down in the chair he had been standing in front of. He looked over at Archer. “I hope you don’t mind if Ensign Sato goes to the monastery. She mentioned she’d like to visit one and it’s my way of saying thank you for the hours she’s spent teaching me and telling me what I needed to know to interact with 3 different cultures. She’s been very patient with me and I really do appreciate it.”

Captain Archer saw Hoshi smile at Trip’s thank you. “It’s fine. You’re right it is better to let her go and see things for herself and let her explain what ancient dialect she’s talking about. You’re doing a good job, but I’m surprised that you seem to taking to being a diplomat, Trip. You’ve always just wanted to be an engineer and explorer.”

“I did and I still do, but I changed my way of looking at this assignment. For me it is all about exploring. I’ve met new people and learned about their cultures. I started out hating the idea of negotiating and being a diplomat and I wouldn’t want to do this as a career, but I’m enjoying it. When Enterprise left Earth I had no idea about other cultures and I made my share of mistakes, but I’m learning and that’s why I joined Starfleet. To work on the fastest warp engines and see who and what’s out here.”

“Glad to see you enjoying yourself again. Before I forget, once we finish up with Coridan, we have been ordered back to Jupiter Station. They have some upgrades to install and they’re finally going to replace all the damaged sections of bulkhead and the shuttlepod bay. They’ve scheduled us in for a month and a half. We’ll have debriefs and meetings the first week. Then the crew will have two weeks off. While we’re gone they’ll do the major repairs. When we get back Engineering and the Armory will be refitted. I’ll need the three of you to coordinate the repairs and refits after that. Please, can we all agree to let station crews do what they need to do and you can change things to your liking once they leave the ship. I don’t want to sit through Admiral Gardner yelling at me because my staff wouldn’t let the refit crews use standard Starfleet parts.”

They all shook their heads ‘yes’.

“Everybody get out of here and get some sleep you have a long day tomorrow.”

Trip and T’Pol met Malcolm for breakfast in the mess hall. They ate, discussed the day and then took a shuttle over to the Vulcan ship to discuss the new security arrangements. Captain Vargas greeted them. “Live, long and prosper Commander Tucker and Lady T’Pol.” Trip was surprised by the greeting. Usually whenever they met with Vulcans they only greeted T’Pol, if the Captain wasn’t present.

“Trip, the Ambassador told them that we are bondmates. He knew they would know if they saw us together and he needed them to understand that your protection is now part of their responsibility. It is their duty to protect all citizens of Vulcan.”

“So does that mean I should assume all Vulcans I meet know.”

“Most likely yes. Do not worry T’hy’la. No Vulcan will discuss private matters of Vulcans with out-worlders.”

“I’m an out-worlder T’Pol.”

“You are the husband of a Vulcan and that is all that matters. Our bond is what matters to my people. You will always be welcomed on Vulcan and have the same rights as any Vulcan citizen and husband.”

Trip caught the look from Captain Vargas to T’Pol when the Captain became aware that the were talking through their bond. Trip had gotten pretty good at reading the passive faces of Vulcans. The Captain and the security team lead them into a room and everyone sat at the table. “Commander Tucker and Lady T’Pol…”

Trip interrupted the Captain. “Excuse me Captain Vargus could we talk privately for a minute. They walked across the room and Trip lowered his voice. ” I must ask that you and everyone on your ship refer to Lady T’Pol as Commander T’Pol. I understand respect the title holds for Vulcan, but my first concern must be for her safety. Not only would personnel on Enterprise notice the use of such a title, but so would many others. This would raise questions about private matters and put Commander T’Pol and myself at greater risk.”

Captain Vargus nodded. “I will issue an order to that affect.” He then looked at Malcolm.

Trip told him. “All security issues need to be discussed and coordinated with Lieutenant Reed. He will not interfere with you doing your job, but he will do his job.”

“My orders are to protect you and Commander T’Pol. I have also been instructed that you have final say over all arrangements.”

“That’s a surprise.”

“By Vulcan law you are the head of your family and even those who may be upset that you are human will abide by our laws.”

“If there are any problems let me know. ” Trip headed back to the table. He looked across at T’Pol and she nodded her head at him. He felt her pride that he had protected her. “We’re due on Andor in 2 hours, so let’s make sure we haven’t missed anything in our security arrangements.”

When they arrived they were taken to a meeting room at the Chancellery. Then Malcolm and the Vulcans spoke with the Imperial Guards security personnel and stationed themselves outside the room. Trip and T’Pol sat down at the table with the Chancellor and Admiral Torgan. Shran had been right the Andorians had agreed to provide ships and crews to patrol the Coridan border, but that’s as far as they had gotten. Once that had been discussed Trip sat there and listened to the two heads of the Andorian Empire yell. They yelled back and forth for a couple of hours, while Trip and T’Pol ignored them and talked to each other. They talked about T’Pol’s first days at school and her inability to control her emotions. She had missed her pet sehlat and did not want to sit still in her seat. Trip told her about his grade school days and the friends he made. Commander Shran finally interrupted to let them know it was time to go to lunch. They met the owners of the cafe they had lunch in, then walked down the street while Shran talked about life on Andor. They have lived underground when Shran was a child, but when their technology advanced enough they moved to the surface. Trip teased Shran. “So that’s why you prefer living on a ship it’s just like living underground.”

Shran shot back at him, “So what’s your excuse, Commander.” Then Trip heard “T’Pol. “Down Trip now.”

He immediately looked for T’Pol. He felt her hands in his side as she pushed him. He felt a surge of pain and screamed. As he was falling, he saw that T’Pol had been shot. One of the Vulcan guards was dead and her other guards had pulled her across the street behind a building. Malcolm and the other guards were trying to see where the shots had come from. Trip thought he’d also been shot, but when he looked at his stomach he knew it wasn’t his pain he felt it was T’Pol’s.

Suddenly they heard more shots and then quiet. An Andorian and Maco came to tell them that Commander T’Pol was missing and her guards were unconscious. “T’Pol, darlin where are you?” She didn’t respond. Trip closed his eyes and concentrated. He was still clutching his stomach. T’Pol was in pain, her breathing was rapid and shallow, her heartbeat was erratic, and she was losing a lot of blood. He heard, “I’m laying on boxes. Dark.” Then nothing. She needed his help, but he didn’t know where she was and she couldn’t tell him. He kept trying to reach her through the bond, then he knew she was unconscious.

He yelled to Malcolm. “Lieutenant Reed, we need to get inside somewhere, I need to see one of the Vulcans and keep everybody else, but you outside.”

“Follow me Commander.” Trip followed him into a warehouse. Malcolm went back outside and returned with Sub-Commander Ker.

“Sub-commander what can you tell me about healing trances.”

Ker stood there looking at him blankly. “Vulcans use them to heal…”

“I know what they are, I need to know how a Vulcan would get themselves into one.”

“Why would you need to know this?”

“Look I don’t have time for this. I know you know that T’Pol and I are bonded. I need to know how to get her to put herself into a healing trance and I need you to tell me how to do that.”

Trip could see in Ker’s eyes that he was confused. “Commander I do not know how to do that. A Vulcan would go into their mind, slow their heart and breathing and let themselves become unconscious until their body healed or medical help was given.”

“So you just think about what you want to do and then do it?”

“Yes, it is like you are going to meditate, but you direct your mind to heal your body.”

“Thanks.” Trip sat down and leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes, took deep cleansing breaths and cleared his mind. He kept trying to meditate, but couldn’t.” He started banging his head against the wall in frustration.

A concerned Malcolm asked. “Commander are you all right?”

“No, I can’t meditate. I’ve never had trouble before, but now I can’t do it when I really need to.”

Malcolm knew T’Pol used candles when she meditated. “I can see if I can find a candle or something if that would help.”

“I don’t use a candle I listen to the engine.” He knew what was wrong. “Mal, Thanks that’s what wrong. I need everyone to be quiet for a few minutes. I need to find a sound.” With that Trip closed his eyes and listened for that sound. Any sound that his mind could focus on. He found it. Some sort of humming from a compressor. He took deep breaths and focused. When he felt himself start to float he started focusing on T’Pol. Seeking her mind. He found her. It was dark and cold. He could feel the pain radiating through her body. She felt alone and afraid.

“T’Pol.” No Response. “T’Pol.”

“Trip?”

“Yeah, darlin. I’m here. I need you to listen to me. You’re hurt and we haven’t found you yet, so you need to put yourself into a healing trance.”

“I do not think I can.”

“Yes, you can. I’ll help. Now concentrate on my voice. Relax, if you can take cleansing breaths, even your breathing out and steady your heartbeat.”

“I cannot Trip.” He could tell she was weak.

“Yes you can. Just concentrate. Use my strength if you have to, do it now, T’Pol.”

She did as he asked. After several minutes Trip didn’t know how, but he knew she was in a trance. He pulled himself back to the warehouse. Ker and Malcolm were standing in front of him looking down. Ker asked this time.

“Commander is everything all right?”

“No, it’s not, but it’s the best I can do for now. We have to find T’Pol soon. She’s lost a lot of blood and she’s weak. She said she was on boxes and it was dark, which means they probably have her in a warehouse around here. It can’t be that far away.”

“The Andorians said the same thing. Commander Shran sent a group to the edge of where the warehouses start behind where the Commander was taken. They’re working their way towards us and we are going to work our way towards them.”

“Can’t our scanner pick up her Vulcan bio-signs?”

“No, there must be some kind of dampening field because all we see are life signs and they appear to be all Andorians.”

Trip headed for the door. Malcolm stopped him. “Commander you need to stay here. When we find her we will come get you.”

“I’m not staying here Lieutenant I need to find her.” Trip was angry, but trying not to let it show. “I’m going and that’s an order Lieutenant Reed.”

Malcolm knew it was useless to argue with him and he’d given him an order. “Fine, then you need to do whatever we tell you to do, so we can do our job.”

“Let’s go.” Trip pointed to the door.

Malcolm gathered a group of guards together. Trip stepped outside and they flanked him and started moving forward as a group with him in the center. He thought Malcolm had gone slightly over the top keeping him safe, but he wasn’t going to tell him that right now. They needed to find T’Pol. When he concentrated he could feel her. She was breathing better and he thought the bleeding had slowed down, but she was still weak.

The guards had checked every building they came to. No sign of anybody. They had just come out of a warehouse, when they heard disruptors firing. One of the Andorian guards came around a corner with Shran right behind him. “We found them Commander. Follow me.”

Trip bolted to follow Shran, breaking through the circle of guards. Malcolm ran after him while signaling the other security teams to catch up to Trip.

They reached an alley and Trip stopped. He looked to his right and saw T’Pol laying on the ground with guards around her. One of the Vulcans was administering first aid. Trip reached them, dropped down and lifted her head off the ground and slipped his knees under it like a pillow. He could hear Malcolm talking to Phlox on his communicator. He motioned for Malcolm to let him speak to the doctor.

“Hey, Doc this is Commander Tucker. T’Pol is in a healing trance. Her bleeding has stopped and her breathing is even, but rapid. Her heartbeat is too fast again and she’s cold. Is there anything I can do for her until we can get back to Enterprise.”

“No, she’s going into hypovolemic shock. She needs blood and fluids. Transport her to Enterprise now.”

“The transporters won’t work because something’s blocking sensors. They are picking up life signs, they just can’t tell them apart.”

A shuttle landed a few feet away. Commander Shran got out, walked over and bent down next to Trip. “Our sensors are working away from this area. Let’s put the Commander in a shuttle and get where the transporter will work.” Trip picked T’Pol up and they headed to the shuttle. When they materialized on the transporter pad Trip ran out the door and to sickbay. He laid her on the biobed and stepped back, so Phlox could work, but stayed close. He had no idea what Phlox was doing. He inserted two IV’s and kept checking his scanner. He cleaned her wound and set some leeches loose on it to finish the job. Trip just kept pacing back and forth with his eyes closed trying to feel her mind. He could feel the sensations from her body, but it wasn’t the same. He missed her in his mind. She was there, but there was no activity. He’d felt more than this when he thought the bond was broken. How had he not known she was still there all that time. He’d just gotten used to her being there, by ignoring it until it just felt like a part of his own mind. He felt it. Something was stirring.

He began to breath and listen to the engine in the background, then he was floating. He reached out for her mind.

“Trip where are you?”

“I’m right here darlin.”

“Where, I cannot see you.”

“Relax, T’Pol I’m here and I’m not going anywhere. Listen to my voice and concentrate. You need to follow my voice, to find me.”

“I am trying.”

“You need to wake up, now. Listen to my voice and wake up.”

“Angry at me?”

“Who’s angry at you?”

“You.”

“No, I’m not angry.”

“Yes, you are angry at me.” Why did she think he was angry at her.

“I was angry, because I thought I had been shot and then I saw you get shot while trying to push me out of the way, but I’m not angry at you. You need to wake up.”

“I am tired need sleep.”

“Then wake up just enough to be asleep, not unconscious.” When she didn’t respond , Trip thought she’d slipped deeper into unconsciousness.

“I will sleep.” Suddenly he was back in sickbay and he began to feel T’Pol again.

Phlox was talking to him. “Commander.”

“Hey, Doc. She’s going to be fine. She’s asleep.”

Phlox looked at the readouts above the biobed. The readings had changed and showed that she was no longer unconscious, but sleeping.”

The doors to sickbay opened Captain Vargus and Sub-Commander Ker walked directly over to Trip and Vargus handed him a padd. “Commander Tucker I need your approval for these changes to our security protocols.”

Phlox was stunned. Since when did a Vulcan Captain ask a Starfleet officer for approval for anything.

“Have you shown these to Captain Archer or Lieutenant Reed?”

“No, I haven’t. I need you to sign off on them before I can discuss them with anyone.”

“I see, what do I need to do?”

“You need to sign at the bottom.”

“How am I am going to explain to my Captain why my signature is at the bottom of a Vulcan security protocol?”

“This is for Vulcan only, but you could verbally accept them with the Sub-Commander, as a witness.”

Trip could see all the questions on the doctor’s face. “Okay, so what do you want to do?”

“We want to attach a small device to you and Commander T’Pol. It will mask your bio-signs and prevent anyone from blocking our ability to transport both of you, if needed. Our sensors will be able to locate you. We also want to increase the number of security personnel, especially when Commander T’Pol is with you, so what happened today will not happen again.”

“Can Enterprise’s sensors be modified to use the device?”

“I believe so, but the information is classified.”

“Why did I know you were going to say that.”

The comm buzzed. “Dr. Phlox is Commander Tucker in sickbay?”

“I’m here Captain, what’d you need?”

“We need to talk about what happened and what we need to do to prevent it from happening again.”

“Captain Vargus and Sub-Commander Ker are here. They want to talk to you and Lieutenant Reed about changes they want to make to our security.”

“We’ll be right down.”

Vargus looked at Trip. “Do you approve the use of the device?”

“Yes, I approve,” and he went ahead and signed the padd.

Trip walked back over to the biobed where T’Pol was laying. “Doc, do you have anyway to play some music softly in the background.”

Phlox looked at T’Pol then Trip. “Yes, Commander, but why would I want to?”

Pointing at the zoo. “It seems several of your collection over there are noisy. One in particular is annoying and makes it difficult for Commander T’Pol to sleep. If you could play some instrumental jazz softly in the background it would help. ” He leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “Unless you can figure out how she can listen to my heartbeat while she’s in here.”

“I can’t help with the heartbeat, but I can have the computer play the music for her. I do not listen to jazz, so do you have any suggestions?”

“Charlie Parker is her favorite. I think she likes the saxophone.”

Captain Archer and Lieutenant Reed arrived. The Andorians had contacted Malcolm and let him know that the men who had attacked them were Andorians and Orions who may have connections to the Romulans. The disruptors they were using were Romulan. It appeared the Andorians were working for the Orion Syndicate. The syndicate wanted Commander Tucker stopped. The plan had been to kidnap or kill him and Commander T’Pol. If they kidnapped them the Orions would have used them as leverage to get Starfleet to end their talks with the Coridans and if they killed them Starfleet would end the talks, at least for a while.

Captain Vargus told them about the tracking device and the added security personnel. They all agreed and the Vulcans left.

Captain Archer stood there shaking his head. “Vulcan security protecting a Starfleet officer. T’Pol I understand, but they seem to be just as concerned about you, Trip.”

“Ambassador Soval thinks this agreement is very important to the future of Earth and Vulcan. He has a point. We need their dilithium, especially if we go to war with the Romulans, and the Orion Syndicate is getting stronger. We need to slow them down. They have their hands in everybody’s pie and that’s dangerous.”

“True, but I didn’t think I’d ever see Andorians, Vulcans, and Humans working together in my lifetime.”

“Things change Captain and so do people when their survival is at stake. If we can’t fight the Romulans together, we don’t stand a chance.”

“When are your meetings supposed to start again?”

Trip didn’t know. He’d forgotten all about the meeting when T’Pol got shot. “I don’t know. I have to contact the Chancellor. I’ll ask them if I can meet with them in the morning. Maybe by then they’ll have come to some agreement.”

Everyone left sickbay, but Trip. He grabbed a chair and slide it next to T’Pol’s bed and sat down. He could feel her breathing. She was relaxed and calm. She was still in pain, but he was helping her with that. She wouldn’t ever tell him or the doctor she was in pain, fortunately she couldn’t hide it from him.

Trip could feel Phlox staring at him. He was just inside the curtain where he could see Trip. “Commander since when do Vulcan Captains need a Starfleet officers permission for anything?”

“They weren’t asking me as a Starfleet officer. They were asking me as head of my family according to Vulcan law.”

Phlox considered this for a moment. “You would only be considered family under Vulcan law if you were a Vulcan citizen and an out-worlder wouldn’t be considered a citizen unless he were married to a Vulcan. The Vulcan High Command would also need to approve.”

“I believe that’s correct, Doc. This is all kind of new to me. Soval figured out we were bonded, so when we decided to complete our bond I contacted Soval for advice and asked him to arrange a legal ceremony on Vulcan. When this threat came up, Soval knew our bond was complete, and informed the High Council. You know the rest.” He didn’t know the rest, but he knew enough.

“So you and Commander T’Pol are married?”

“According to Vulcan tradition, yes. We completed the bond the day you stopped and talked to us in the mess hall. The legal part will be taken care of when we get to Vulcan.”

“You haven’t told anyone on Enterprise, but me?”

“Malcolm and Hoshi know, but that’s all. The Vulcans know because Soval told them, but he said they would have figured it out on their own anyway. Somehow they sense our bond when they see us together. I’m not sure how that works because Soval said he wasn’t picking us up telepathically.”

“I believe it is the way bondmates interact with each other that they sense.”

“I guess. Our bond has changed. It’s stronger and we’re more connected than we were before. I didn’t think that was possible, but we are.”

“You were able to talk to T’Pol while she was unconscious?”

“Yeah, I couldn’t feel her as much unless I concentrated. I don’t know how, but I just know what I need to do to help her and I do it.”

“You do know this is going to make your professional relationship difficult. We talked about this before and you ignored my advice, so how are you two going to do this?”

“I honestly don’t know. Doc. We haven’t talked about it much and we’ve decided to let things go as they are as long as possible.”

“I hope this all works out the way you want it too, whatever that is. You need to get some rest Commander.”

“I haven’t slept alone in weeks, I’m not sure I can anymore. I’m going to sit with T’Pol for a while longer, if that’s okay.”

“Fine, but she needs to rest and so do you.”

“I will Doc, I promise.” Trip reached out and touched his fingers to hers. The sensation was the reassurance he needed. He laid down his head and he went to sleep.

Trip had woken up in sickbay, went to his quarters, showered and changed, got breakfast and went back to sickbay to check on T’Pol before going back down to Andor. Captain Vargus was there with the tracking devices. Trip took his and attached it to his uniform and then he took T’Pol’s and laid it by her bed. She was awake, they talked briefly, touched fingers, and he left.

He’d been sitting there while the Admiral and Chancellor continued to argue about how many ships to send and who would be in charge of the patrols. He could feel T’Pol’s discomfort in sickbay, but he also knew she was tired.

“T’Pol you need to get some sleep.”

“I cannot.”

“How ’bout I tell you a bedtime story. It will give me something to do while these two idiots argue. Remind me again what I liked about diplomacy.”

“What is a bedtime story?”

“Parents read stories to their children when they want them to fall asleep.”

“You can tell me a story.”

“Once about a time there was a little girl named Goldilocks…” Trip got to the part where Goldilocks was trying the three beds when T’Pol interrupted.

“This Goldilocks is very illogical.”

“What do mean she’s illogical, she’s a little girl.”

“A little girl who has entered a home uninvited, ate their food and had to try all the chairs. If she looked at the big chair she should have known it was too big for her and now she is doing the same thing with the beds. One does not pick a bed…”

“Okay, darlin it’s a story. You’re not supposed to think so hard about it and logic has nothing to do with it. Just listen and let yourself go to sleep.”

“How do human children go to sleep when their parents read them such stories?”

“Remind me not to read illogical bedtime stories to our kids.”

“Our kids?”

“Yeah, I guess I just assumed one way or another we would have 1 or 2 kids, but that is a discussion for another time. You are supposed to be going to sleep.”

“The Doctor is here with a hypospray to put me to sleep.”

“Let him do it. You need your rest and my story is having the opposite affect. Besides I need to get back to my meeting.” He could feel the sedative take effect as T’Pol drifted off to sleep.

He became fully aware of the argument that was still going on. He listened for some time and when the arguing started to escalate he stood up. “That’s it I’ve had it. You two have been arguing for two days now. I don’t want to be rude, but just as a suggestion you might want to settle your internal matters amongst yourselves. I didn’t need to be here for this.”

He saw the stunned expressions of everyone in the room, but when no one said anything he continued. “Now from what I’ve gathered the Imperial Guard wants to send four ships and you Chancellor want to send two. So why not compromise and send three. As far as who will be in charge, why don’t we have a tactical military officer assigned from each of the planets involved. They would be better able to work out the logistics of the patrols to avoid establishing a pattern. The Captains, pilots, and tactical personnel are better qualified to do this type of thing. The tactical officer will report to his or her own military or government, but they work together as a team to make the patrols effective. Details can be worked out once the personnel and ships are in place. Can you both agree to that?”

The Chancellor shook his head, “I will agree.” The Admiral also agreed. Trip looked at them, “Thank you both. Can we please have someone write that into an agreement, so we can all sign it?”

The Chancellor answered. “I will have the agreement drawn up and send my aide to your ship with two signed copies. Add your signature and send one copy back with my aide.”

Trip got up and left. Commander Shran met him on the way out. “Not very diplomatic, Commander Tucker.”

“What was diplomatic about their behavior. I was waiting for them to get up and start hitting each other. Is this how business gets done here?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“I’m surprised Andorians ever got above ground.”

“I’m sorry your visit has been so unpleasant Commander. Andor is really a beautiful planet.”

“Maybe someday I’ll get to come back when I’m not working and really get to see it. I’m sure I’ll see you around Commander Shran. You do have a habit of showing up where we least expect you.” With that Trip left.

Tags: Fanfic, Star Trek Enterprise Fanfic, Stories, Trip and T'Pol Shippers