The Journey – Part 1 – Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Trip, T’Pol and Malcolm entered the Vulcan consulate. They had arrived in San Francisco and come directly here and Hoshi went on to the Academy to make arrangements for them all to return to Jupiter Station later in the day. Starfleet officers should have brought stares from the Vulcans in the halls of the consulate, but there were none. Captain Vargus meet them as T’Pol was directing Malcolm and Trip to the Ambassador’s office. They all walked there together. Vargus entered and went to a seat in the back of the room.

Soval raised his hand in greeting then said “Please be seated.” A large vid screen was at the end of the table. Soval pressed a button and told whoever had answered that he was ready and the faces of Ambassador Gral, Ambassador Karak, Commander Shran, Admiral Ramirez , and Admiral Torgan appeared on the screen.

Soval moved to stand at the head of the table. “I assume we all know each other.” Everybody said yes.

Soval continued. “Commanders, we have been working together outside the purview of the Coalition. As you know a war is imminent and we as a group, with our governments, have tried to anticipate the many needs to survive such a war. We need a station out in space that is not officially connected to any of the member planets of the Coalition, but can assist the war effort. We would like you to provide such a station.”

Trip was in shock. “What kind of station are we talking about and who would be in charge of it, all of you?”

Soval answered. “ The station would be for research, development, and repair, and whatever else you deem needed or necessary. You would be totally in charge. You would pick the people you want on the station, each of us would provide military staff, supplies, parts, whatever is needed, and as negotiated in formal agreements.”

“Where is this station going to come from, who owns it now?”

Commander Shran spoke up. “There are three units currently afloat in Andorian space with three starships for you to use as you see fit. The owner will be you or whomever you designate.”

“You want to give us old stations and ships to make a new workable space station? Did you find a big rummage sale or something?”

Ambassador Karak chimed in. “The stations came from various places and the ships are all older ships. One ship is Vulcan, one is from Andor, and one is from Starfleet. You can refit them all for use or scrape them for parts. It’s up to you. We would like you and Lady T’Pol to resign from Starfleet and take over the station. Once it is operational and we have chosen the best location you will be moved there. You will be free to negotiate with any species you wish for goods and services and provide services to whomever you wish.”

“So we would be free from any and all government and military interference?” Trip wasn’t quite sure how that would work with their people on the station.

Soval answered. “Yes. You would be an independently owned and operated space station. You would have no superiors. There would be unofficial military personnel, from the coalition planets, who report to you on the station. They will provide protection and support to the station. Much of this arrangement is open ended, but the Coalition needs to have repairs available and research and development for the ships that will be out there. Our governments are not always the best equipped to provide the support needed in a practical and timely manner.”

“So we need to decide if we want to build a small city in space to do repairs and research during the war?”

“Yes, we want you to think about this and let us know as soon as you can what your answer is.”

Trip looked at T’Pol. He started thinking it through.. Safety would be an issue, but they would be in control of that, with military help. Soval said we could pick our own personnel and we would own the station and the ships. It wasn’t perfect., but he wanted to say yes.

“What do you think darlin. Could we build a life on our own space station?”

“There would be risks, but as we have both seen there are risks everywhere. We would not be putting others at risk because of our bond and we would be doing what we both want.”

“Then you say yes?”

“Yes.”

Trip looked at the vid screen. “We don’t have to think about it T’Pol and I say yes.”

Admiral Ramirez spoke. “Then we will need you both to resign from Starfleet, but we do not want you to leave to start this project. I would prefer you make your relationship known to your superiors and let the process run its course until it looks as if you were asked to resign or be separated.”

Soval was the only one who had no reaction to the Admirals statement. Trip looked at Ramirez. “I wasn’t aware anyone in Starfleet knew of our relationship Admiral.”

“No one else does. They also are unaware of our plans. Once you are in place to construct the station, those who need to be told will be told, directly by the President..”

“So what is the time frame we are looking at?”

“Once you are far enough from Jupiter Station, you need to make your marriage known to Captain Archer, who will then report it to Starfleet. It should take no more than a month for the whole process to come to a conclusion.”

Trip saw Shran’s face when the Admiral said marriage. “Commanders I have always known your relationship was close, but married? How did you manage to get that by everybody?”

Trip and Malcolm both laughed. “I’m not sure. Discretion and good friends.”

Soval looked around the room and then asked. ‘Does anyone have anymore questions at this time?”

Everyone said ‘no’. The Ambassador continued. “Then I suggest we adjourn for now and plan to meet in person when the Commanders are ready to take over.”

Once the vid screen was clear Trip shook his head. “Soval how did you mange this? “

“Mr. Tucker you were the reason I was able to convince them this would work. They each were aware that I had you in mind for this, during your negotiations with Coridan. They each spent time getting to know you a little and felt comfortable that you would able to do what we require. Then I facilitated the acquisition of the station and ships. We cannot get these people to work together openly, but they are all willing to work with both of you.”

“The negotiations were a test?”

“A test implies you will pass or fail. I always knew you would pass. They all needed to know that you were as capable as I do.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. I know this is your office, but could you excuse us for a moment we need to speak to Malcolm?”

Soval left them alone. “Mal, what do you think?”

“It sounds like a lot of work. You’ll have plenty to keep you busy and make you totally crazy. You do realize all the headaches you are in for don’t you?”

“Yes, but it sounds better to me than constantly fixing a ship just so somebody can come along and blow it to hell again. We can really do something and who knows once the war is over, there’s always gonna be ships out there that need repairs. “

“That’s true.”

“Mal, would you consider coming with us and being our head of security?”

“I figured you had something like that in mind when you wanted me here. Hoshi said the same thing.”

“So you’ve thought about it?”

“We talked some about what we knew or could piece together on our own. All I can tell you right now is that it’s not out of the question. Hoshi and I need to talk about it and I have questions that need answers before I can say yes.”

“What are the questions?”

“What kind of weapons and tactical equipment will they provide. What about the personnel? Where would you find the people you want to work there and how would you compensate them? That’s just off the top of my head. Give me some time and I’m sure I can come up with a very long list .”

“I’m sure we all will have long lists of questions, but one step at a time. We need to deal with Starfleet first.”

“Give me time to talk to Hoshi and then we can decide what to do about Starfleet. She and I are leaving, we just need to decide where we are going and I’d like to know that before we start arranging to leave Enterprise.”

“I’m going to call Soval back in, so we can ask the questions you have and a couple I just thought of. I’d also like to tell him to give Ramirez the heads up about the four of us leaving. He might be able to get something in the works to help the Captain when this all breaks loose.”

Soval came back and Malcolm started asking questions. “Ambassador, what kind of security measures and weapons will be available to the station?”

“Each government will provide the latest weapons and trained personnel. Whatever is needed will be negotiated in the formal agreements or found by the Commanders on the open market, if need be.”

“Where will personnel who are not from the military or Starfleet come from? “

“Accounts have been established for the station to be turned over to the Commanders for expenses. The future earnings of the station should come from work done for the Coalition and whomever else you chose to provide services to.”

“You’re talking about a small city here and we have to find people to come live there, but until then will the personnel provided be other than military? Say engineers, administrative, financial, or whatever we need?” Trip wanted to know.

“ They could be. You can negotiate anything you need when we meet to set this all up when you to take over. I will be available to aid you in any way I can, with advice, suggestions, whatever you need. Lady T’Pol you are being very quiet.”

“Yes, I am thinking of the many things we must do and Enterprise. There is much for us to think about and prepare for.”

“By the way Soval, could you tell Admiral Ramirez that Malcolm and Hoshi are leaving to, so he can do whatever he can to make the transition as painless as possible for the Captain and crew.” Trip asked.

“Are you going to be coming with the Commanders, Lieutenant?

“I don’t know just yet. We need some time to figure that out, but Hoshi and I will be leaving Enterprise.”

T’Pol stood up. “We need to get back to Starfleet. We are scheduled to be back to Jupiter Station this evening.”

On the way out the door Trip stopped and asked. “Is Captain Vargus still on guard duty while we’re at Jupiter Station?’

“Captain Vargus and the Tal’Kyr Have been permanently assigned to you.”

“Captain Vargus is permanently assigned to who?”

“You and Lady T’Pol.”

“How’d that happen?”

“When the High Council made the decision to permanently assign a ship to you, Captain Vargus requested the assignment. It seems many Vulcans find your company acceptable. He also sees the potential of such a venture and wishes to be part of it. The Captain will be contacting you to let you know the Orions have decided that the cost of pursuing you has become to high and have agreed the wisest course of action is to stay as far away from you as possible.”

“Thanks, now all we need to do is convince the Romulans of the same thing.”

The shuttle ride back to Jupiter Station was a quiet one. There were others on the shuttle and Trip and T’Pol left Malcolm and Hoshi alone with their own thoughts. They had a lot to consider and needed time and space to sort it out for themselves. When they got to the station they all jumped into the refit and repairs that were being done. Engineering was busy with crews replacing the injectors and relays throughout. There were repair crews working on the warp core and bulkheads. Trip kept his mouth shut when they replaced the relays with the wrong parts, but requisitioned the replacements they would need. He supervised all the work being done making notes on what his staff would have to go back and fix once Starfleet’s crews were done.

They’d spent the last three weeks getting all the work completed. Malcolm had asked for Trip and T’Pol’s help with the phase cannons that were being refitted. The specs that the work crews were trying to use to install them weren’t right and needed to be adjusted. Starfleet never took the fact that modifications were made out in space out of necessity, so the design may be perfect for a new ship, but seldom fit into one on active duty. The crew made trips to San Francisco the last two days. Trip and T’Pol meet Malcolm and Hoshi for drinks at the 602 Club. When they got there Malcolm was at the bar He saw them at the door and waited for them to follow him to their table.

Malcolm handed Trip a drink. “Ordered you bourbon and pineapple.”

“Thanks Mal, but I think I’ll just have a beer.” Tripped signaled the waitress to come over, ordered himself a beer and asked for tea, if they had any, for T’Pol.

“Water will be fine if you do not have tea.” T’Pol told her.

“Finally got all those ‘engineers’ back on the station and away from the engine. I actually managed not to yell at any of them, this time out.”

Malcolm looked at Trip and laughed. “Well, if you didn’t yell then what did you do to that poor Ensign who was hiding behind the phase cannons until you left.”

“I didn’t say a thing. It was all T’Pol.”

“I did not speak.”

“Not with words she didn’t. I know why the crew on Enterprise are scared of her. She gave that poor kid this stare with those raised eyebrows and he was terrified. He never came near where she was working again.”

Hoshi teasingly said, “Trip it’s the same look she always gave you, but it didn’t scare you off.”

“Yeah, it seemed to keep me coming back for more.”

“So how long will it take you to undo what the refit and repair crews did?” Malcolm asked.

“Well, I have Hess comparing my list to the one I had her make of the things we need to fix. I’d probably have engineering squared away in two weeks, but Hess is going to be handling this one, so maybe add a week.”

Malcolm smiled. “Good, I need help in the Armory. Nothing works quite the way it needs to. It all works, but not the way I want it too and I don’t have anybody experienced enough to help out.”

“I’m going to recommend that Starfleet promote Hess and I’m making sure she’s as ready as I can make her, so helping you will give me a reason for putting her in charge.”

Hoshi looked at Trip and T’Pol. “You know you two are starting to be the center of Enterprises rumors with the crew again?”

“We have decided to hide our relationship less and let the rumors prepare the Captain.” T’Pol said.

Malcolm’s face took on a more serious look. “We are going to have to tell the Captain soon. Are you going to go see him or wait until he ask to see you?”

“That depends on you two.” Trip pointed his finger at them.

“We’ve been talking about this and Hoshi has some questions.” Malcolm turned to Hoshi.

“I’m not exactly sure where I would fit into all this. You three all work on things you see, touch, and build. That’s what this station will be about, so I don’t see where what I do would fit.”

“Hoshi, if it hadn’t been for you I wouldn’t have survived negotiating with Andorians, Coridans, Tellarites, and even the Vulcans. You made sure I knew their customs, laws, procedures, and anything else you thought might help. We’ll need you to do all that if this is going to work. There will be aliens from several different planets trying to live together and hopefully we’ll meet some new ones and need you to translate for us. You can work on the universal translator or whatever you want.”

“So, I would do what I do now, but without someone telling me how to do it?”

Trip smiled and laughed a little. “Yes. You want to teach and eventually there will be children and if we do this right we might even convince a few people that learning the language and customs of the people they’re sharing space with is a good idea.”

“Sort of an embassy in space?” Hoshi said as her thoughts went to all the possibilities.

“If we’re going to have them all living on a station it seems to be the perfect opportunity to start getting them to work together and understand each other. At some point this coalition is going to have to really start doing that or it will fall apart. “

Hoshi looked at T’Pol. “You are planning on having children?”

“It will not be possible for one to two years yet and we need to check with Doctor Phlox, but yes.”

“Not possible for one to two years. Can’t Vulcans have kids whenever.” Malcolm asked curiously.

Trip spoke up. “We haven’t fully discussed it yet, but it’s something we can’t talk about.” Trip started wondering why T’Pol kept putting off this particular conversation. “You know darlin we are going to talk about this at some point.”

“I am aware, but not now.”

“Then when and what are you so afraid to tell me?”

“It is very private and quite involved.”

“And you think I’m going to be upset.”

“I do not know.”

“You have to trust me. I’m not going to be upset. I love you and whatever it is we will handle it together.”

“We will see.”

Malcolm’s hands were waving in Trip’s face. “You decided to talk about it now?”

“Sorry, Mal. No, we’ll talk about it later. Have we come to any decision about what we’re doing?”

Hoshi was still deep in thought. Malcolm took her hand in his. “It’s up to Hoshi. We both need to be happy wherever we end up. She knows what I think, so now she has to decide for herself.”

“I’m in. We may all be crazy, but as much work as there will be, it will also be challenging and rewarding and we make a good team.”

Trip raised his beer up and when the other drinks came up and clinked with his he let a very loud, “Yes.”

T’Pol felt a surge of wonder and happiness, with a large dose of the idealism she had seen in Trip when Enterprise started exploring space. The Idealism wasn’t that of a naive young man anymore, but idealism with a mixture of realism. He had a dream for a future again. T’Pol let the feeling wash over her. Vulcans study and learn and the choices that are made about their future are based on how well they do at performing skills, they aren’t allowed to have dreams or desires. She wished to experience this dream with him, as they worked to build a life together.

“So how do we talk to Captain Archer?” Malcolm said as he sat his glass back down on the table.

“Malcolm didn’t you tell me Admiral Ramirez wanted them to wait until we were out in space. I’m assuming he wanted us far enough away from Starfleet to prevent any face to face meetings while they figure out what they want to do with you, so I think we let the rumors start to fly. We keep our relationships private, but stop hiding. Two couples on a starship will never be allowed and the Captain will have to address the rumors. If he doesn’t we will have to go to him.”

Trip thought for a few minutes. “I don’t think we can really plan this. We’ll just play it by ear. I say we go someplace, relax, and have a nice dinner before we head back to the ship. Chef’s good, but there are some dishes he just can’t make on a ship.”

Enterprise headed out and the crew got busy fixing the repairs from Jupiter Station. Every time Hoshi tried to use the Universal translator, on the Romulan audio files she had it activated, T’Pol sensors at the Science station. It had to be a simply problem with routing the signal, but Trip and Malcolm couldn’t find it. T’Pol was becoming frustrated, although she would never show it, when the sensors kept indicating they were light years away from where they actually were.

“What the bloody hell did those idiots do? “

Captain Archer walked over to Malcolm’s tactical station. “What’s the problem Lieutenant?”

“Everything’s dead. No power at all.” Malcolm hit the comm button. “Bridge to Tri…. Commander Tucker.”

“This is Tucker what do you need, Lieutenant?”

“We have no tactical?”

“What do you mean no tactical?”

“My board is dead. No lights, nothing.”

“On my way.”

Trip went immediately and climbed under the tactical station to try and track down the problem. All the power was going exactly where it should be, but the computer was off line. Trip and Malcolm tried whatever they could think of to correct the problem they even restarted the program. Nothing. They finally determined the problem had to be in the computer. Trip went to T’Pol’s station and looked at her sensors, then went to Hoshi’s station and had her try to use the translator. Captain Archer sat there watching the four of them move from one station to the next as they talked their way through the problem. He noticed that while no one touched T’Pol they all were inside the invisible boundary the crew observed around her. He doubted you could get a hand between Trip and T’Pol. They never actually touched, but it was damn close. Hoshi had moved to her station and Trip was instructing her on what to do as he watched what happened at T’Pol’s station. Malcolm moved next to Hoshi and watched as she tried to access different parts of her language programs. Trip asked Hoshi to do what she had been doing and asked Malcolm to tell him what he had done just before tactical went down. Hoshi went through the steps as Malcolm, who was now standing behind her, looking over her shoulder, explained what he had been trying to do. He was practically whispering in her ear. Trip had been bouncing back and forth between the science station and tactical and they all four had slipped into some kind of shorthand while working out the problems.

The Captain had heard the rumors about Trip and T’Pol for a couple of weeks now, but now there were rumors that Malcolm and Hoshi were dating and had been seen walking down corridors holding hands and in the observation deck kissing. Archer knew they had all gone to Florida together, but he thought they were all just good friends, not couples. Observing them now it was obvious he had been wrong. Not one improper word or touch, but the sparks between each couple sent shivers up Archer’s back. They moved, talked, and worked forgetting there were any others on the bridge. Ensign Mayweather had begun to watch them fascinated at how at ease they were with each other. He’d heard the rumors, but hadn’t taken them seriously, until today. This was definitely a problem. Archer knew he couldn’t have the crew fraternizing, especially the senior staff, it set a bad example.

T’Pol found bugs in the new software for both her station and Hoshi’s and Trip found crosswired circuits in all the stations. He and Malcolm worked for several hours to rewire everything and Hoshi and T’Pol went through the software routines line by line. It was late when they finally had tactical up and running again. They reported to the Captain, then went to the mess hall to find whatever they could to eat. Trip looked at the selections and decided if he couldn’t identify it he wasn’t going to eat it. Malcolm grabbed one of the plates, unwrapped it, and held it under Trip’s nose. “If I can’t even figure out what it is by smelling it there’s no way I’m eating.”

“It’s a long time till breakfast, so unless you have a stash of food in your quarters I’d reconsider.” Malcolm pushed the other plate to Trip.

“The only thing we have is T’Pol’s chocolate stash. I don’t know where it is, but I do know she has one. I don’t suppose you have any food in your quarters Hoshi.”

“No, Malcolm had some nasty tasting crackers, but I threw them out.”

“Then I’m going to bed. The sooner I can get to sleep the sooner I can forget I’m hungry. See you when you get home darlin.” Trip said as he headed for the door.

Captain Archer had come into the mess hall through the kitchen area. He was standing back listening and watching his staff, who believed they were alone. Hoshi and T’Pol were discussing the translator issues they needed to work on. Malcolm grabbed Hoshi’s hand, pulling at her to go. “I’m want to get some sleep. You two can talk tomorrow. Let’s go, please.” They all left Captain Archer alone trying to figure out how best to handle the situation.

While at breakfast Captain Archer walked by the table Trip was at. “There’s a senior staff meeting at 08:00 in my ready room. I looked at the list of problems you’ve found and we need to discuss where we are and prioritize which repairs are most important. Can you let everyone know to be there?”

“Yes, sir. We’ll try to have more answers for you by then.” Trip replied as the Archer went into the Captain’s mess.

When Captain Archer entered his ready room there were several padds on the table. Trip and T’Pol were sitting next to each other discussing some fix for the science station and making notations on one of the padds. Malcolm was standing next to Hoshi, bent down pointing out something on her padd. They hadn’t even noticed the Captain, until he pulled out his chair and cleared his throat. “Good morning.”

“Morning Captain. I think we have a plan to get all stations running by tomorrow.” Trip said.

“Fine, I’ll look it over in a minute. We’ve got a couple of other problems we need to discuss first.”

They all turned toward the Captain with a no not another problem look on their faces as Trip said, “Don’t tell us something else isn’t working. We’ve been over almost every system in the past week, what else could go wrong?”

“No, as far as I know the only systems that need work are the ones on your list. It seems we have some issues with the crew not following the rules.”

T’Pol’s eyebrow went up. “Any crew members in particular, Captain?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact it’s the four crew members sitting here with me.”

“Which rules are we not following?” T’Pol asked.

“The rules about not fraternizing with fellow crew members. This is serious and you’re behavior is the talk of the ship lately and it has to stop.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible Captain.” Trip stated.

“What do you mean it’s not possible. If you don’t put an end to it then I will have to report this to Starfleet and at least two of you will be transferred to other assignments.”

“Captain, T’Pol and I are married. Starfleet will have to do what it thinks best, but we will not be separated. “

“You’re married?” I suppose that happened while you were at your parents.”

T’Pol spoke up. “Yes, one wedding took place the last day we were there.”

“One wedding? You’ve had more than one?”

“Vulcans form a bond between couples. Commander Tucker…… Trip and I have such a bond and when we allowed it to complete itself we were considered married, but to make it legal on Vulcan we also had a ceremony while we were there. We then had a ceremony on Earth again for legal reasons.”

The Captain’s head was shaking. “I really need to pay more attention to my staff.” He turned to Malcolm and Hoshi. “Malcolm, I’m most surprised by your behavior. I never expected that you would break the rules like this.”

“I never would have either Captain, but we are in love and we are going to be married, once we can make arrangements with Hoshi’s family.”

The Captain had his hand stretched across his forehead massaging his temple. “You do know that Starfleet will transfer one of you?”

“Sorry Captain, but we will not be separated either.”

“So the four of you are saying I have to report this to Starfleet and tell them that none of you will accept transfers. You know what’s likely to happen. They won’t allow you to get away with this, they would open themselves up to a flood of requests for similar treatment. “

Trip answered for them all. “We understand and Starfleet will have to do what they have to do and we will have to do what we need to do. We all expect that we will have to resign our commissions.”

“All my senior officers are going to resign?”

“Yes sir.” They all answered in unison.

The color drained from Captain Archer’s face. “Dismissed.” As they got up to leave. “Trip I’d like to talk to you.”

Trip sat back down as everyone else left. “Jon, I’m sorry that you’re losing four of us at once, but you know the way things are that it’s for the best. We would only be putting ourselves and Enterprise at risk.”

“Do you really know what you’re doing?” If you leave Starfleet you’ll very likely never work on a warp engine again.”

“I’m a pretty good engineer I’ll find something to do. I just can’t be a soldier again and I don’t want T’Pol to be in anymore danger than necessary. We’ve both lost too much and it’s enough.”

“I really don’t know you at all anymore. I thought that we could rebuild our friendship, but that would have never happened would it?”

“I don’t think so. I’m not the same as I was when we first came out here, but with T’Pol’s help I’m at peace with my life and all that’s happened. We’ve had the longest and most painful road to get here and I’m not giving her up for anything or anyone.“

“What are the Vulcans going to say. The High Council will be less than thrilled that a Vulcan is married to a human.”

“They already know and it seems we’ve come to a mutual understanding of our positions. Captain Vargus and his ship are out there somewhere just out of sensor range, so that the Vulcans can provide security for us. It seems they take the safety of their citizens very seriously.”

“It’s not just any Vulcan citizen and you know it. I recognized that family crest remember. If that’s T’Pol’s family then she’s a descendant of Surak and that makes her important to the Vulcans.”

“It’s not just her they are protecting. Our bond makes me just as important. They actually have to clear things through me. It’s been difficult to let them do what they needed to do and keep you and Starfleet out of it.”

“So you don’t want Starfleet to even consider letting you stay on Enterprise together do you?’

“We doubt they will, but we can’t stay, so we hope they won’t. It’ll just make things easier.”

“Malcolm and Hoshi feel the same?”

“They talked about staying in Starfleet and transferring back to the Academy and teaching, but Malcolm wouldn’t be happy there. He’s too much of a hands on guy. We both are, so that’s not an option for either of us.”

“Will you go to Vulcan or Earth?”

“T’Pol and I don’t know for sure where we will go when we leave here. Malcolm said he and Hoshi are off to Japan for a wedding.”

“You’ve been involved for months now haven’t you, so why now?”

“We just got tired of keeping secrets. I’m proud that T’Pol is my wife and we shouldn’t have to hide our relationship. We know war is coming and we need to be gone before then and you need time to get a new staff set and trained.”

“Hoshi is not replaceable, Malcolm’s second isn’t near ready, and none of T’Pol’s staff is qualified to take her position. Hess can take yours, but I’m not sure Starfleet will see it that way.”

“Hess would be the best choice and I’ve been training her and will continue to get her ready. Now that you know it will be a whole lot easier.”

“Trip I’m glad you’re happy and I wish things could have been different. Now get back to work. I have a very long conversation I need to have with Admiral Gardner.” He hit the comm., “Hoshi get me Admiral Gardner.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thanks Jon. ” Trip said as he left.

Starfleet had two camps. One side wanted to keep their officers, so they were willing to change the rules. The other side knew that there was no way to allow couples to work together on a starship. It would be a disaster and if they allowed these two couples to do it then they’d have crew from every ship trying to do the same. The sides held conference calls and talked to Captain Archer and the decision was no where near being made. Finally Captain Archer told them all he did not want couples on his ship. It would be disruptive and dangerous and there was no way to make it work and the officers involved would not accept transfers, so Starfleet needed to ask them to resign and get him new staff to train.

There was a final meeting with Admiral Ramirez, Admiral Gardner, and Captain Archer. Ramirez listened to Gardner try to find a way to keep the officers in Starfleet, but stepped in and told Admiral Gardner the President had ordered that they ask for their resignations, effective in three weeks. New staff would be assigned and sent to Enterprise, in a week. The officers were expected to do what they could to train their replacements, in the two weeks before they were to leave. Starfleet also requested that when the officers returned to Earth that they do so quietly as the press was going wild with stories of love nests on board Enterprise, the pride of Starfleet, and they wanted to avoid anymore bad press leading up to a war.

The training of the new staff went smoothly. Trip had the easiest time because Hess was promoted to Chief Engineer, so he helped Malcolm and T’Pol train their counterparts. The crew of Enterprise threw them a going away party. Trip and T’Pol boarded the Tal’Kyr, so all assumed they were off to Vulcan, but they headed to Andor. Malcolm and Hoshi headed to Earth to see their families and prepare for their wedding in Japan, in two weeks. While they waited for the newlyweds to arrive Trip and T’Pol would be at work with the legal paperwork involved in acquiring a new home, a new business venture, and begin the planning for their future.

End of Part 1 The Journey – Part 2

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