Brave New- Part 3

"BRAVE NEW WORLD"
An "Enterprise" story

By Alison M. DOBELL

SUMMARY: "Captain Archer sends an away team down
to a planet in answer to a distress beacon. No one is
quite prepared for what they find."
Rated: NC-17.
The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and "Enterprise"
are owned by Parmount. No infringement of copyright is
intended.
Feedback to: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

*****************

Part Three

Sub-Commander T'Pol woke to find herself sprawled across Commander Tucker's chest. He lay half naked beneath her, fast asleep. Her first instinct was to jump to her feet but she forbore. Her eyes gently grazed the sleeping face. Her beloved. This human who had somehow worked his way into her heart. How had that happened? Had she done something to encourage it? Had he? Thinking back she could not find a single defining moment that could explain why she had been so irresistably drawn to him. This smelly, talkative human. This man with such clever sensitive hands. Such a quick but gentle mind. So giving, so caring. A smile teased her lips. A rare thing. A gift he had inadvertently given her. She brushed her hand gently over his face, leaned in to inhale his scent and softly kissed his lips.

T'Pol drew back to watch him sleep, her eyes gentle. Her thoughts thousands of miles away. Thinking of how her parents would react if they could see her now. How outraged Koss would be to find that she had mated with a human. It was almost too delicious to anticipate his reaction. With an effort she reigned in her amusement and made herself be more serious. They had to get out of here. Had to get back to their shuttlepod and contact the Captain on Enterprise. Yet she hesitated. Was reluctant to give up what she had found so unexpectedly. She glanced behind her. Both Lt Reed and Dr Phlox were still sleeping. It would be wrong to disturb them now when they needed their rest so badly. A tiny smile crept on her lips. She laid back down beside Trip, a hand on his chest, her eyes on his face as she drew patterns with her fingers and rubbed the pads back and forth across his nipples. She remembered their mental joining and reached out to tentatively brush his sleeping mind. His thoughts were sluggish, almost as if he had been drugged. She knew he was tired. Weary beyond belief. Yet gradually he became aware of her. His feelings lit her up inside with joy, her body beginning to heat as his thoughts caressed her own. Never had she known such closeness, such tenderness and love.

*T'Pol, are you alright darlin'?*

*I am now*

*Now?*

Her mind smiled and hugged his. *Now that I am with you*

*Is it always like this?*

*What?*

*This closeness? Is it because we're mentally joined?*

He felt her laughter tickle through his consciousness. He loved her so much. *The mind meld bonds mates together. Increases their physical joining as well. Wherever I go or you go, we will always be able to touch and sense each other with our minds*

*Wow, I like the sound of that T'Pol*

She smiled and stirred in his consciousenss, her thoughts lapping his, her desires filtering through his sleeping body until he began to groan softly with arousal. Her hands caressing him, skimming over his chest and stomach, stroking downwards and cupping him as he responded to her fevered touch. His penis inflating in her busy hand. Hardening as her caress became more demanding. *How close do you want to be, beloved?*

He could feel the pumping blood thundering like a call to action in his ears. A sleepy eye cracked open to be joined a second later by a pie eating grin. *Why don't I just cut out the middle man and show ya, darlin'?"

* * * * *

Hoshi would never have believed it if she had not seen it with her own two eyes. The alien with the ship bigger than most cities was politely giving the Captain permission to go down and retrieve his crew. Not only that but he had offered to send some of his own people to help. Archer had been about to decline that last offer then remembered the Ralcaddons had some of their own people on the planet below. People who randomly killed outsiders. Outsiders like humans and Vulcans. He quickly amended what he had been going to say.

"I would be honoured to accept your help. May I know your name?"

The alien eyes flashed hard as obsidian. "I am called Kalcon. I am Co-Commandant of this vessel."

"Co-Commandant?"

"Our vessels are self-aware, Captain. Not sheets of metal that have no pulse."

He was so astounded that his mouth fell open. Before he could shut it again and engage his brain the Co-Commandant had severed the communication link between them. When he finally got his brain back into gear he got to his feet and looked at Hoshi. "Hoshi, I want you to come with me."

She looked nervous. "Captain, I think I would be better here in case the alien vessel wishes to make contact again and..."

"Hoshi, they scare the hell out of me too but that's not gonna get T'Pol, Trip, Malcolm and Dr Phlox back. I need someone with me to translate what Kalcon's people say to us. Also, if we bump into any of his other people we need to make sure they don't rape or disembowel us before we can say, 'Hi we're friends'. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Okay. I know you downloaded their language into the ship's translator so if Kalcon decides to call Travis will know what he's saying. Won't you Travis?"

Travis nodded warily. "Yes, sir."

"Good man. I'm counting on you." He gave Hoshi a nod and waited for her to walk passed him. As he prepared to exit the bridge he looked back at Travis Mayweather. "Travis, you have the bridge."

* * * * *

Lt Malcolm Reed woke slowly. His whole body ached and if he moved shooting pains shot up his spine. He remembered what had happened and could not prevent a low moan escaping his parched lips. He tried to turn his head but it hurt too much. He closed his eyes and just lay there, thinking. Trying not to focus on impossible images and angular claws dragging down his chest and back just to hear him scream. He squeezed his eyes as tightly closed as he could but could not block the images from his mind. Then he heard something. Not a loud sound but something fairly close by. He held his breath and stretched his ears. What was that? Was something creeping up on them even now, getting ready to rip them apart as they slept?

Panic and paranoid were the two ugly sisters of his existence. Pandering to them might not be wise but it was better than trying to ignore them. Between the two of them they had kept him alive this long. He opened his eyes cautiously. Heard again the shifting sound of bodies in motion. Turned his head, ignoring how much it hurt and sent pain down his spine. What he saw robbed him of all breath. Commander Tucker was lying a few yards away. Semi-naked from what he could see. Straddled across his hips was Sub-Commander T'Pol with a very un-Vulcan look on her face. And what she was doing with her hands to the Commander had to be seen to be believed. He watched. Stunned. Saw the shameless familiarity with which she touched him. The tender look in her eyes, the shade of a smile lighting the planes of her face with an emotion he had never expected to see on her face as he lived and breathed. Love. Holy Christ on a Hockey Stick. T'Pol was in love with Trip Tucker! He could not move. He was stunned. Silently he watched them make love. Not that he had intended on being a voyeur or anything but having forced himself to turn his head to see them he found it too painful to try to straighten the top vertebrae and look away again. At least that was his excuse. He did not have to ask Trip what his was. His excuse had just gone down on him in a manouevre that made him believe Vulcans were definitely double jointed. He let the sigh out with great care one thought uppermost in his mind. Bloody lucky sod.

* * * * *

The trip down to the surface was not as bad as the Captain feared. The turbulence that had hit Shuttlepod 1 was absent this time. Crewman Harrow landed Shuttlepod 2 as near as he could to the original landing party's destination. Hoshi Sato bit her lip and tried to hide the fact that her stomach was churning over and over with apprehension. As they donned their cold weather gear and exited the shuttlepod, the Ralcaddons landed neatly less than a hundred yards away from them. It was a bigger, bulkier, beefier transport than theirs but then the Ralcaddons were much bigger and more muscled than humans and the compliment of eight was double the manpower Captain Archer brought with him. He hoped and prayed that Co-Commandant Kalcon stayed true to his word.

He waited for the Ralcaddons to join them then explained through Hoshi what he intended to do. The aliens did not waste breath on words but just nodded. Captain Archer had just begun to orientate himself so they would know which direction to set off in when the Ralcaddons suddenly stopped. He turned and gave them a quizzical look. "Hoshi?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Ask our hosts why they are stopping."

Hoshi activated the translator and had just begun to ask when three Ralcaddons came into view from the opposite direction. Captain Archer signalled her to stop and just watched. He noticed they were bloody. They paused when they saw the Captain and his crew, one of them talking urgently in gutteral undertones to the rescue crew. Looks were exchanged between the two parties then a brief fight ensued. Alarmed, the Captain took a step back and wondered what it meant but he did not have time to ask Hoshi before the scuffle ended and their host walked over to them, a grim look distorting already ugly features. Hoshi translated his words. "I regret, Captain, that our men have already met with your landing party."

An arrow of apprehension pierced his heart. "What does that mean?"

"It means that your people have been injured. This is a training planet, Captain. No one comes here unless they have been placed here for this reason."

"Where are they? Are they still alive?"

Time seemed to stop while he waited with aching heart for the answer. He was grateful he had thought to bring along another set of medical supplies just in case but his forethought had been in case the shuttlepod had crashed. Not in his worst nightmares had he thought something like this might have happened.

"Yes. The men have some damage but the female is unharmed."

"Where are they?"

"We will show you but first the party concerned must be sent back to the mothership. The Co-Commandant will want to deal with them personally."

Captain Archer did not like the way he said that but got some satisfaction from the thought that they would have to face some kind of censure for their actions. Grim faced he followed the Ralcaddons. Hoshi dropped into step behind him, Crewmen Harrow and Reeves following behind with the first aid kit and emergency rations.

* * * * *

Lt Reed dropped off to sleep again before Trip and T'Pol finished their love making. As T'Pol at last lay sated across her lover's chest she felt the Commander shift slightly beneath her. She raised her head and stole a kiss. *How do you feel?*

*Apart from permanently shattered?*

She nodded, not in the least bit sorry for wearing him out.

*Happy* He ran his hands up her sides as she sat up. A sigh escaped his lips as he carefully sat up to face her, his expression darkening slightly at the pain. *I love you, T'Pol, do you know that?*

She laughed in his heart and mind then leant forward and kissed him. He broke away reluctantly.

*We have to get dressed, darlin'. The Captain'll be goin' frantic lookin' for us and I'm worried about Phlox. He doesen't look so good*

The Sub-Commander nodded, touched his face gently then got to her feet. She helped him up and watched him closely as he closed his eyes for a minute until the world stopped spinning. He opened his eyes and smiled at her. "I'm okay, T'Pol. Take more than the Incredible Hulk and his buddies to kill me."

They helped each other dress then went to check on the others. Malcolm began to stir as Trip checked his wounds. The Englishman's eyes widened when he saw who was looking after him. "I'm surprised you can stand after what you've been doing, Commander."

Trip frowned, not understanding what he was getting at. "What're you talkin' about, Malcolm?"

"You know. You and T'Pol."

Trip's mouth dropped open in surprise. Before Lt Reed could enjoy the look on his face, Sub-Commander T'Pol entered his line of vision and he closed his eyes and wished the ground would open up and swallow him whole. "Oh shit!"

Commander Tucker chuckled. T'Pol looked at Lt Reed with interest. "You were saying, Lieutenant Reed?"

He opened his eyes, a sheepish look on his face. "Permission to draw my weapon and shoot myself in the head, sir?"

Trip laughed. "Permission denied. With your current track record you're likely shoot yourself in the foot and you need it to put in your mouth."

"Ha, ha, very funny. Just don't give up the day job - sir."

"Think ya can walk?"

Lt Reed nodded cautiously. "Just help me to my feet, I should be alright after that. It'll be a few more weeks until I can run the marathon though."

Trip helped him up then gave him some water. Leaving him leaning against the wall he moved on to check on Dr Phlox. T'Pol was already looking at him critically, a worried look on her face. "He still has not regained consciousness. We have to get him back to Enterprise as soon as possible."

The Commander nodded. Just then Trip's little friend the Sanacrid scampered across the floor and ran up his leg, not stopping until it reached his shoulder. He turned his head carefully to look at him as the little creature wrapped his tail plume gently around his neck. "What's put the wind up your tail?"

*Someone is coming*

A look of alarm flitted across the Commander's face. "Who? Who's comin'?"

*Some like you, some others. Enemies*

His heart skipped a beat, he looked at T'Pol and Malcolm. "Looks like we got company. Stay with Phlox Malcolm, me and T'pol'll go and take a look-see."

The Sanacrid began to bob its' head in agitation, chittering anxiously. Lt Reed frowned at it. "What's the matter with it?"

"Him not it, Malcolm." Trip was about to ask the little creature what was up when he heard a voice call out. Everybody froze. The Sanacrid dipped its' head and scurried under his shirt to hide. After a moment a big smile slid across the Commander's face. Relief self evident. "It's the Cap'n!"

He smiled at Malcolm and T'Pol then raised his voice to shout. "In here, Cap'n!"

Then he and Malcolm carefully lifted Dr Phlox between them and started to carry him out, Sub-Commander T'Pol walking in front to make sure there were no nasty surprises waiting for them. As they got to the entrance they were relieved to be met by Captain Archer, Hoshi and crewmen Harrow and Reeves. It was only when Trip and Malcolm had laid Dr Phlox gently on the ground and straightened up that they suddenly realised why the Sanacrid had been so upset and agitated. All the colour drained out of their faces. Alarmed, Captain Archer turned to see what they were looking at and realisation dawned. "Um Trip, the Ralcaddons came down to help us find you. It appears this is a training planet for their soldiers. They usually kill any outsiders they find down here. You're lucky we got here before they could complete the exercise."

The Commander could not speak. He was too upset, his hands shaking. Lt Reed had gone completely white and looked ready to collapse. The Captain walked over to their hosts and drew them to one side, asking Hoshi to translate for them. "Please thank Co-Commandant Kalcon for his assistance in the recovery of my crew. Be kind enough to assure him we will not come again unannounced to his training planet."

The alien eyed him for a moment then gave him a polite bow and left. Only when the Ralcaddons had gone did the others begin to relax. Captain Archer decided to ask no more questions until he had got them safely back aboard the Enterprise. He was full of curiosity and questions but looking at his away team he could tell they had already been to hell and back. The debriefing could wait. Back at the Enterprise Ensign Cutler was hovering anxiously over Dr Phlox. Worry etched into her face and movements. Captain Archer watched Trip's face as he stood watching Ensign Cutler clean the doctor up.

"When are you going to tell me what happened, Trip?"

The Commander sighed softly. "It was awful, Cap'n. Bad enough to hit turbulence and have to land in less than ideal conditions we then had to make our way through snow and blizzard conditions. Then we got attacked by those alien gorillas." He sighed. "I have ta tell ya, I didn't think we were gonna make it off that ball of rock."

"I'm glad you did but you know, you should be in sick bay yourself."

"Nah, just give me a few days to sleep it off an' I'll heal."

"In body maybe..."

Trip looked at him, a gentle calm in his eyes that Captain Archer had not seen there before. "I'll be fine, Cap'n. Trust me."

"I do trust you but..." He broke off suddenly and jumped back.

"What's the matter?"

"I saw something move, under your shirt."

The Commander laughed and pulled the top of his shirt out so he could whisper. "Hey, c'mon out. You're makin' the Cap'n nervous."

To Captain Archer's astonishment a furry nose peeked out then a little creature similar to a chipmunk scrambled up onto his Commander's right shoulder and wrapped its' very fluffy tail gently around his neck. He stared, dumbstruck. Completely lost for words. Trip chuckled and spoke to the little creature. "Seems ya made quite an entrance. Isn't ev'ry day you get to shut up a Cap'n."

"Hey, I take exception to that!" Archer blinked. "What is it?"

Trip sighed. "He's a Sanacrid..."

Just as he said that another voice completed the sentence for him. "...they are very rare Captain. It is even rarer for one to take to someone who is not of their own species. Commander Tucker seems to have found a friend."

They turned and looked in amazement to see Dr Phlox sitting up in bed. Ensign Cutler beaming from ear to ear while trying to get him to lie down again so she could finish her tests. They walked over to him. Captain Archer looked at him carefully. "How do you feel, doctor?"

"I do believe that is usually my line, Captain."

Captain Archer laughed. Trip stroked the little Sanacrid gently, telepathically asking him what he wanted. Did he want to be dropped off here or go with them? After a few seconds of quiet communion while the Captain and doctor chatted about what had happened down on the planet, Trip put his hand out and both men stopped talking to watch as the Sanacrid hopped on to his hand. Trip smiled at Dr Phlox. "I've discussed it with our mutual friend and he has decided he would like to spend some time with you. At least until we come to a planet that is a little more hospitable to his kind."

Dr Phlox beamed from ear to ear. They had never seen him so happy. For a minute Commander Tucker was afraid he was going to cry. There were definitely tears in the good doctor's eyes. "Are you sure you don't mind, Commander?"

"No, I don't mind." Said Trip gently. "Just look after him and I promise to pop in and see him from time to time."

Captain Archer gave him a strange look as they walked out of the sick bay. He had been hearing some odd things from Lt Reed. Just hints but enough to make him wonder what else had gone on while they had been away. "Is there anything you want to tell me, Trip?"

At that very moment Trip stopped dead in his tracks but he was not looking at the Captain. The Captain looked to see why. Sub-Commander T'Pol was walking briskly towards them. He started to smile and opened his mouth to say something when she walked straight passed him and slid her arms around Trip's neck and kissed him. He stared in stunned silence as the kiss did not break off but deepened. He cleared his throat carefully but the couple did not break apart. Suddenly he felt rather hot under the collar. "I'll um, expect you both for a full debriefing first thing tomorrow morning."

Neither of them said a word. Captain Archer shook his head and walked away. If he had not seen it with his own eyes he would not have believed it. He found himself counting the hours until tomorrow. That was going to be one hell of a debriefing...

* * * * *

The end

***************

If you liked this story, it continues in Friends and Lovers.

Return to Part 2

Back to Fan Fiction Main Menu

Have a comment to make about this story? Do so in the Trip Fan Fiction forum at the HoTBBS!