Round Robin #2 PART 2

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Round Robin #2 – Untitled

PART TWO

Rating: PG-13

NOTE: The Second round robin was getting long, so we’ve added a part two. Authors continue as before:
The Cursor
Lady Conqueror
Nefertari, zealousgirl
Zane Gray
stubadingdong
myst123
pookha hare
Maddie
vandiver49
So we start with….

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{THECURSOR}

Travis Maywheather breathed a deep sigh of resignation as he set the shuttle pod down in front of the royal summer home of Princess Kaitaama. There wasn’t much to look at, Krios was a half desert/half ocean world with one large sea that covered the entire southern hemisphere and endless leagues of desert in the north. The Princess’ humongous “summer home” was firmly in the desert part, a towering palace made out of what looked like an ivory looking substance that seemed to rise up from the huge sand dunes around it. Beautiful, if not a little conspicuous, and to Travis: boring.

Because there was nothing to occupy his attention outside the pod, the question that had bounced around in his head the whole ride down to the planet finally reached his tongue and hit the air. “Hoshi, why can’t I go with you and the Sub-commander?”

In the seat next to him, Hoshi grimaced slightly. She wasn’t quite sure of how to explain the situation with out misrepresenting it or making him feel insulted but thankfully T’Pol’s voice spoke up from the back seat of the shuttle pod and saved her the effort. “Because Ensign,” her voice was it’s usual monotone but an edge of exasperation tinged it ever so slightly, “According to Dr. Phlox’s theory, you would most likely not be of any use to us within six feet of the Princess.”

Hoshi could help but grin as Travis’ face flashed from hurt to anger to annoyed before settling permanently on out right confusion. “What Sub-commander T’Pol means is that there may be a small possibility that Princess Kaitaama has some pretty special powers.”

“Like what?”

“Like that she’s the perfect woman.”

“Excuse me?”

“A more accurate description Ensign,” T’Pol explained, “Is that Princess Kaitaama has quite possibly developed an unconscious mental link with most humanoid males that can make her seem quite physically attractive.” It was actually a little eerie for Travis to hear T’Pol speaking from the back of the shuttle pod about physical attractiveness, despite the Sub-commander’s immense beauty she always seemed unattractive to him, so cold and distant.

Puffing up his chest to make himself look bigger and tougher, Travis tried to restate his case. “I think I can control myself pretty well.” Hoshi just smiled and patted the young pilot on the shoulder. ‘Sorry Tiger, you better leave this to us girls.”

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

“Lord Veltor, the King will see you now.”

Archer groaned as soon as the Chamberlain’s announcement hit his ears. Archer had gotten fed up with King Basrun’s stubborn mindedness and stormed from the court two hours ago, which in hindsight had been a bad idea. Because according to Kriosian law, once you leave the King’s presence it was assumed his business with you was concluded, which meant you had to make another appointment.
And since the King determined who saw him first, His Royal Wooden Head had decided that every other person in the waiting room was more important then him.

After sitting in the hallway of the Royal palace for what seemed like forever, he realized that getting back into repair the huge mess he had made was probably going to be highly unlikely.

Some diplomat he was, Archer couldn’t even make nice with the ruler of a wealthy star kingdom to save Trip’s life from whatever the hell it was they did to accused murderers on this planet. Letting his head fall into his palms as he sat with his knees drawn towards himself, Archer just barely had time to jump out of the way of his attacker’s

“On your feet human!”

Archer’s eyes rose and he found himself looking into the angry, face of well dressed young Kriosian man. Jon recognized him from the Vulcan database; it was Haikaam, Kaitaama’s betrothed. “May I help you?” Archer sneered the words, if this was really the bad guy behind this whole awful mess then he certainly didn’t deserve diplomacy. He deserved a shot in the mouth.

“You are the friend of that murdering womanizer who killed my sister and bedded my bride?”

“Yes, but we just call him Trip.”

Haikaam’s face turned beet red and for a moment Archer could have sworn he saw steam rising from his head. “You dare make light of me?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Off world infidel!”

Archer had only a split second as Haikaam drew a knife and advanced on him in one quick motion.

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

“Commander Tucker, I am most sorry for bringing you into all of this.” Ambassador Mati’s voice was shaky and apologetic and Tucker almost thought the old man was going to cry. Good. He deserved to feel sorry for dragging him into this--well rotten mess was the only thing he could really call it. “If only I could have anticipated just how power-hungry Haikaam was. I mean, assassinating his own sister just to keep his plot a secret. The man is truly—"

“I DON’T GIVE A RAT’S ASS WHAT HE IS! I WANT OUT OF HERE!” The stabbing pain in Tucker’s ribcage shot upward and made his head swim in pain and nausea forcing him to steady himself before speaking again. In his pain filled stupor, he could just barely something on the Ambassador’s robe covered arm, it looked like a tattoo.

“Commander you must calm yourself. You are injured,” Mati smiled slightly and it almost seemed like a predatory grin for a moment but soften as he stared at it. “Please answer me this one final question and I shall go to the king on your behalf.”

“W-what.”

“The capsule--have you watched it yet? Do you know the Princess’ instructions?”

“No, gave it--to T’Pol.”

The older man frowned and Tucker wondered what had upset him but couldn’t quite function through the pain. Damn ribs, he most of torn something else when he shouted. “Don’t worry, Mr. Tucker,” Mati’s voice seemed distant, like it was underwater, “I shall aid you in your escape and get you medical attention, but first I must tell you what was on that capsule...”

As he spoke, Tucker tried to focus on the tattoo poking out from beneath Mati’s robe. It looked almost like a star of some kind, what had the double said just before she died? Something about fifty stars.

“--And it is very important that you arrive at her palace at this EXACT time.”

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

Princess Kaitaama was not at all what Tucker had described. According to the Engineer’s bawdy tale, the Princess was a spoiled firecracker of a woman who had made his life miserable half the time and wonderful the other half. Based on that description, Hoshi had naturally assumed she’d start barking orders or make them bow before speaking or something equally presumptuous. But that wasn’t quite what she got--

“M-more tea, Sub-commander?”

“Thank you very much, your highness.”

Kaitaama was a very shy woman, almost always in a constant state of quiet reflection. Her voice was a small mousy squeak that almost left you feeling guilty for scaring her with your louder voice. It had taken her a moment to realize this was most likely how Kaitaama acted when there were no men around to influence her personality. Lonely, sad, her mind was unable to create a definite personality on it’s own since it would all simply be erased the next time a potential mate entered the room. Hoshi’s sympathy instantly went out to the poor woman.

“And for you Miss S-Sato?”

“Why yes I would—“

T’Pol’s monotone voice cut sharply into Hoshi’s sentence. Funny, for a moment T’Pol seemed almost a little upset. “I am afraid that our time here grows short and that we must urgently discuss Commander Tucker’s situation.”

“Yes, I supposed we should.” What little self esteem the Princess seemed to possess crumbled like dust and she looked like she was on the verge of tears. “You must understand it’s the empathy, it makes men do such horrible things to gain my attention. It is a curse, it’s the reason I must spend all of my time here in this empty house and the reason I am engaged to marry that spoiled little brat, Haikaam.” She sobbed, wiping away the gathering moisture around her eyes. “I knew Charles was passionate but to turn to murder? Why? His thoughts they were so good when I met him, they made me act so different from all the others. Charles liked his woman strong and outspoken, it was so wonderful being filled with all that passion, I liked it so much.”

Hoshi shot a look at T’Pol before speaking; making sure it was alright to ask a question. Seeing a nod, Ensign Sato leaned forward and put a comforting hand on top of the Princess’s. “Your Highness, why did you ask Trip to interrupt your wedding?”

And there it was--a sniffle, a look of confusion, wide eyes. “W-what are you talking about?” Hoshi saw it, Kaitaama didn’t know anything.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

{Lady Conqueror}

Captain Archer’s eyes took a moment to adjust to the dim lighting as he was shown into the small cell block that was currently housing Trip. As he spotted his friend, he couldn’t help but gasp in shock. Trip was sitting hunched over on the end of a small cot pressed up against the wall. He was obviously in a great amount of pain. But more worrying was the fact that a robed figure seemed to be hovering over the Commander.

“Get away from him,” Archer yelled and lunged for the figure, determined to stop him before he did any more damage to the engineer. Unfortunately he was met by one of the guards who must have followed him into the room. The guard grabbed him and held him tightly. The noise of the altercation alerted the figure to the presence of Archer and the guards and as he turned into the light, Archer recognised the face of Ambassador Mati.

“Captain!” Mati exclaimed, obviously surprised by the intrusion.

“What have you done to him?” Archer demanded, still straining to get past the guard.

“Why nothing Captain. He was this way when I arrived.” The Ambassador smiled though it never seemed to reach his eyes, “I could arrange to have a doctor come and see him if you’d like.” He shook his head, “It might be difficult to arrange though. The King is most displeased about your Commander’s actions. To tell the truth if I’d known this would be the outcome, I would have refused to deliver the Princess’s message in the first place.”

“Cut the crap. I know all about what’s going on.” Archer spat back. This was the man who had endangered his friend’s life with his schemes, and know he was pretending he didn’t know a thing about it. Archer had hit his tolerance level for this whole place. “Get out!”

The Ambassador bowed his head in acquiescence. “Of course Captain. Whatever you wish.” And with that he stepped out of the room. The guard finally released Archer and they also moved to the exit, the door clanging closed behind them reverberating around the room. Archer had other things on his mind though. As soon as the guard had let go, he was racing to Trip’s side,

“Trip! Trip! Can you hear me?”

“Cap’n?” Trip’s voice sounded part curious and part relieved. Then his eyes widened in fear and he looked around the room anxiously. “Mati?” He questioned.

“It’s all right, he’s gone.” Archer assured. “What did he do to you?”

But Trip just shook his head,

“Lying. He’s been...” A large hacking cough and spasm ripped through Trip’s system but he struggled to get the words out, “...playing...us.”

“I figured as much.” Archer agreed. “Still, we have more important things to worry about. Like getting you to a doctor.” Somehow despite his words, Archer had the feeling Ambassador Mati wouldn’t be sending anyone.

“Call...Enterprise.” Trip gasped.

“That might be a little hard at the moment.” At Trip’s confused glance, Archer gave his best sheepish grin and admitted,

“I’ve been arrested too.”

“What? Why?” Trip questioned.

“Apparently they don’t take to kindly to hitting royalty around these parts.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*Flashback*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Haikaam lunged at Archer with the knife. Thankfully for Archer, Haikaam’s knife techniques were either extremely rusty or completely non-existent and he was able to dodge the first blow easily. It only came as close as it did because it was such a surprise. As Haikaam came around for another strike, Archer quickly glanced around for anything he could use to defend himself. Unfortunately the waiting room for King Basrun was sparse, with only a few chairs for waiting petitioners dotting the hall. Hitting Haikaam with a chair probably wouldn’t be the best idea, Archer decided quickly. Haikaam made another feint at Archer’s ribcage, but once again Archer was able to anticipate and move out of the way. It was at times like these he was glad of the small amount of Starfleet training they’d received. The dodging, however, had the unfortunate effect of placing Haikaam directly between Archer and the exit to the palace.

“You’ll never get away infidel!” Haikaam cried out, motioning to his men to try and surround Archer. Now there was only one place left for Archer to go. The throne room. The door was currently unblocked so Archer made a break for it at top speed. Just as he was about to reach the door, one of Haikaam’s men was suddenly stepping into his way. Using his speed , and the highly polished waiting room floor, Archer threw himself into a slide, kicking out to knock over the henchman on his way past.

And that’s how he entered the presence of King Basrun for his second audience. Flat on his back, his legs tangled with that of one of Haikaam’s men. The King rose from the throne in outrage,

“What is the meaning of this?” He thundered.

Archer quickly, or as quickly as he could, disentangled himself from the other body and regained his feet. Before he could speak though, Haikaam burst into the room. When Haikaam saw the King, on his feet and looking as if he was about to implode, he immediately dropped the knife and went to his knee’s.

“Forgive me Your Majesty, but this,” he flung an arm out to point directly at Archer, “human has directly insulted the Kriosian people and your daughter. He tried to attack me with no provocation.”

“You attacked me!” Archer exclaimed.

“You dare to lie to our King. Have you no respect.” Haikaam now gestured to the rest of the gathered crowd. “These people will gladly testify in my favour, Your Highness.” He sneered at Archer.

“You want provocation, I’ll give you some!” Archer yelled and lunged at Haikaam. A part of his brain realised what he was doing wasn’t helping matters, but he didn’t much care at this point. The man had tried to kill him and was now blaming him for starting the whole thing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*End Flashback*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“The problem was, the King decided to come down from his throne and when I moved my arm back to take a swing,” Archer paused to wince at the memory, “my elbow smacked into him.”

Trip gave a few chuckles, but they quickly turned into more spasms.

“They did allow me one call to Enterprise, but I didn’t realise your injuries were so bad. If I’d known...” Archer trailed off. He felt helpless, like events were spiralling out of control and dragging him and the rest of the crew down with it. And now it might cost Trip his life.

“What’d T’Pol say? About the capsule?” Trip asked.

“I don’t know. She wasn’t there when I called. Neither were Hoshi or Travis. Lieutenant Hess said she didn’t know where they went.”

Trip coughed again and this time Archer was sure he saw blood flecked around the edges of Trip’s mouth, but the engineer still managed a sardonic grin, “Just...great.”

Archer wasn’t quite so amused by the increasingly unfortunate chain of events. Damn it! Where the hell are they?

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

T’Pol mused over the events of the past few days as Ensign Sato tried to explain them to Princess Kaitaama. There were still too many questions left unanswered for T’Pol’s liking. And too many participants with unknown motives to keep an eye on. It was time to take out a few of those participants.

“But Ambassador Mati has always been so nice to me. Why would he make that up?” The Princess was asking Ensign Sato when T’Pol decided to interrupt the conversation,

“We are not certain of the Ambassador’s motives at this time, Your Highness. However, there are ways that we can use to determine such matters.”

“How?” The Princess asked. She looked a panicky to T’Pol’s eyes, a trait that would most likely hinder anything they attempted if she was to stay this way. More importantly, if T’Pol’s formulating plans were to succeed, they would have to bring her out into the world where she would be susceptible to the men around hers’ emotions. That could prove useful for reading the temperaments and intentions of the men involved, since she would play directly to their real persona’s. Of course there was also the possibility that she would also betray them while in such a state. If she was to have any hope of freeing Trip from this situation however, she would have to take that chance.

“We’ll need your help.”

“Me.” The Princess looked shocked now, “What could I do?”

“You have to talk to your father and get him to release Trip from jail,” Ensign Sato jumped in.

“On the contrary, Ensign” T’Pol interrupted once more. “If the Princess were to proceed in that direction, then she would be giving her enemies proof that she was aware of their activities.”

“Then what are we going to do about Tr...the Commander,” Ensign Sato asked hotly, only remembering at the last second that she was addressing a Senior officer. “We can’t just leave him there.” She finished more mutely.

“No we can’t.” T’Pol agreed. “We must break the Commander out of prison.”

“What?” Ensign Sato and the Princess exclaimed at the same time, both shocked by her statements.

“It is the most logical option, since to do anything else will leave the Commander in danger.” T’Pol held up her hand to stop the next argument, “While breaking the Commander out of prison will also cause danger, at least we will be with him to offer some protection.”

Ensign Sato offered a reluctant nod of acceptance to the new plan. “The Captain’s not going to like this,” she muttered.

“And that’s why, for the present time, we will not be informing the Captain of our plan.”

Before Ensign Sato could answer that little bombshell, Princess Kaitaama waved her hand timidly to get attention,

“I’m still not sure what it is you want me to do?”

While she had been forming her thoughts logically, for some reason T’Pol seemed to be having trouble articulating the next part of plan. It seemed to lodge in her throat when she attempted to speak and it took a subtle prompting from Ensign Sato before she could dislodge it,

“You’ll be coming with us Your Highness.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

{Nefertari}

Malcolm Reed stopped in front of the torpedo launchers. It was his tenth trip round the armoury; fortunately, there was no one around to see him pacing as if he were a caged animal. With a very precise turn, he started his route again - hands twisted together at his back, his head low. With slow deliberate steps, he focused his attention on the weapons around him, of the destructive forces they held alone and combined. A wry smile curled his lips up for a moment before he remembered what was going on outside of Enterprise. Before he could get too caught up in the mild anger again, a voice tugged at his attention.

“Hess to Reed.”

Malcolm Reed looked up and focused on the noise. It had come from the comm, he stepped to a console and hit a button opening the channel.

“Reed,” Malcolm stated, wondering why Lieutenant Hess was calling him.

“Captain Archer wants a word,” the lieutenant said – her voice was shallow, as if she’d been told the engines would self-destruct in five minutes.

Reed had a bad feeling about this. He narrowed his eyes and made a decision.

“Thank you.” Malcolm sat down at a station and activated the viewscreen.

“Captain,” he said as Archer came into view, looking mildly haggard, as if he’d been in a fight. How much worse can this day get?

“Malcolm.” Archer’s face looked slightly relieved to see his tactical officer. “Hess said T’Pol isn’t on Enterprise. Where is she?”

“Beats me,” Reed said before thinking. His face flushed for a second as he regained his composure. “She took Ensigns Sato and Mayweather to the planet’s surface an hour or so ago.”

“Do you know why?” Archer asked, clearly tired and partially disinterested.

“She didn’t say anything, except she would be gone for a while.” Malcolm almost shrugged his shoulders.

“Damn!” Archer hissed. “Malcolm?”

“Yes sir?”

“Why aren’t you on the bridge?” Archer looked amused for a moment; it helped Reed to relax. “You’re in command now.”

“I’ve been trying to figure out the schematics for the palace.” Reed glanced at the dormant monitor on the other side of the armoury; a half completed scan was displaying the rough layout of the building. “To see if I could locate Commander Tucker.”

“Malcolm, listen to me.” Archer lowered his voice.

“Yes sir.” Malcolm focused his attention on the viewscreen.

“I’ve been arrested.” Archer almost smiled at Reed’s surprised expression.

“Sir?”

“Something of a long story.” Archer smirked, obviously he’d had fun before getting arrested. “I’ll tell you about it later. We need to get this situation sorted out as soon as possible.”

“I agree sir.” Malcolm nodded his head, as his tactically aware mind already started processing multiple plans for getting his crewmates back on board.

“See what you can do,” Archer said with a glint in his eye – obviously he was being monitored.

“Aye sir.” Malcolm watched as Archer’s image disappeared. Had the captain just given him permission to formulate an escape plan?

Malcolm sat back in the chair and thought about the conversation. Both Archer and Tucker were in alien custody, T’Pol, Hoshi and Travis were essentially MIA, and here was Lieutenant Malcolm Reed in command of Enterprise with something of a dilemma in front of him. Did he assume that Archer had insinuated that he should try to get him and Tucker out of their predicament, or should he continue to try to work out the situation with the princess?

Malcolm rolled his eyes; the answer was obvious. He was a tactical officer, the chief tactical officer; it was his job to ensure the safety of the crew, and especially the captain. T’Pol was obviously working on the problem with the princess; after all, she had dealt with the capsule, not him. It was easy; he would do what he knew best. He would be the tactical officer. He smiled as he hit the comm.

“Reed to Ensign Dastler. Please come to the armoury at once.” There it was. His voice was confident, commanding. He was doing the right thing; and, it felt bloody good.

“On my way sir,” the ensign replied almost instantly.

~~~~*~~~~

Jonathan Archer had finally managed to get Trip to lie down and rest his wounded body. The commander had resisted, but eventually submitted when promised that it would be far more comfortable for his ribs. Now Trip was laying on his side, curled up in a ball, with his breath coming in wheezing gasps. Every few seconds, he would whimper quietly as new pains rippled through his chest. He was still coughing sporadically; after a minute or two of rasping breaths, he would be consumed by coughing that threatened to bring up bile, or succeeded in another trickle of blood slipping from the corner of his mouth.

“It’s okay Trip,” Jon promised his friend. “It will all be okay soon.”

“Why don’t I believe you?” Trip wheezed, startling Archer. Trip hadn’t talked back for a good half an hour; this was the first time he’d said anything coherent for over an hour. He coughed slightly for his effort, but stared unblinkingly at his captain.

“How is the pain? Is it any better?” Jon kneeled before Trip and did his best to clear the blood from his chin. Tears threatened to fall at the sight of Tucker’s face - so pale. His lips were almost white, making the blood stand out. Even in this dull room Archer could see his friend was beginning to fade. That scared the hell out of him. He wasn’t prepared to loose his best friend, not now, not ever. He realised that Trip hadn’t answered him, he looked closely at him. “Trip, talk to me.”

“I’m sorry,” Trip said quietly. He was all accent now. Not having the consciousness to focus on his words, they all came out slurred and as Southern as Archer had ever heard his friend.

“Sorry for what, Trip?” Jon prompted knowing that he needed to keep Trip awake now. Things were getting desperate; there was no sign of Mati, or the doctor he’d sort of promised.

“This.” Trip waved a hand around limply as if to indicate the situation they had found themselves in.

“Don’t worry about that right now.” Jon thought about it for a second; if Trip got out of this alive, if they both got out of it alive, he would gladly never say another word about it. Sure, the commander had been rather foolish. He had also been set up, but it wasn’t really his fault; his good nature had led him to become ensnared in some horrible affair that no one in Star Fleet really needed anything to do with. But it wasn’t something that he should die for. Jonathan Archer would not hold it against his friend for one second, so long as they made it out of here, alive and well.

“So much for…” Trip trailed off.

“So much for what?” Jon asked. He gently shook Trip’s shoulder to get him to come to again.

“Charles Tucker the Fourth,” Trip drawled before coughing again.

“Trip!” Jon all but shouted. “You are going to leave this planet alive, you hear me! Everything will be just fine. You’re going to have a family yet, I promise you.”

~~~~*~~~~

They had weapons. They had a detailed plan of the palace – a little ‘x’ marked the cell Commander Tucker was being held in. They were ready.

So why was T’Pol feeling so…strange? She sat alone in the shuttlepod, phase pistols on the bench beside her, communicators in her hands. An impassive expression made her face look perfectly calm yet below the surface her thoughts were unstructured. Every time she tried to clear her mind an image of the commander rested before her eyes. It was very unsettling, especially when the image was greeted by a very happy princess. An emotion tugged at T’Pol’s well-trained subconscious; she struggled to identify it – jealousy. She was jealous of the princess and what she had shared with Commander Tucker. This was not good. What was worse was the fact that it had been her idea to bring the princess with them to rescue the commander. She was a valuable resource, and more able to traverse the rigid security than the crewmembers of Enterprise. She was also attracted to the commander, and he to her.

The plan was a workable one, yet something was making T’Pol want to be the one who flew into Tucker’s open arms when the door to the cell opened. A muscle twitched making T’Pol open her eyes in surprise. Something had happened when she’d thought of Commander Tucker holding her. She had…her hand went to her mouth; a muscle had contracted at the corner, she had almost smiled. A reflexive action in response to thinking about…Trip.

“Sub-Commander?” Hoshi’s voice alerted T’Pol to the ensign’s presence. “We’re ready.”

“As am I.” T’Pol gathered up the weapons and communicators, and headed back into the large house.

~~~~*~~~~

Two words popped into Malcolm’s subconscious mind – black ops. He wasn’t entirely sure where they had come from, but the twenty-first century term was rather apt. Here he was, on the planet’s surface, sneaking around with his best officer.

Stephanie Dastler, knowledgeable in almost every form of martial arts with a formidable aim and a very good tactical mind, was his second in command for this mission. She was probably the most dangerous person on Enterprise, when it came to hand-to-hand combat. Standing at five-foot-five, she was almost half a foot shorter than him; but, just like the lieutenant, she was greatly underestimated. They were both uncharacteristic as tactical officers – small framed. They were both immensely strong however; some had even said that Dastler had preternatural strength. She was slim, beautiful, but deadly. The New Zealander was also very lively, totally unlike Reed’s more stoic approach to life. Though she was, like him, completely focused on her work.

Reed had chosen her himself, they had trained at the academy together, were separated in age by only two months. Strangely they had never really talked until they arrived on board Enterprise, but now they had a good rapport, spending many an hour in the gym testing each other’s reflexes. She was a good fighter, had kicked Reed’s butt many a time, and now was grinning from ear to ear; this was the perfect mission for her.

Malcolm had chosen her for one reason. She was the best. So was he. Together they would make a good team; they had fought together so often that they would be able to fight opponents in close quarters and not get in each other’s way. Right now though, they were testing out their stealth skills. Reed held a datapad, its back light on the dimmest. The image on the screen was of the palace; two lights flashed somewhere near the centre indicating the two humans they were here to rescue.

Dastler touched his arm gently. He turned to look into her brown eyes, and noticed that her long black hair was tied back in a tight bun; it suited her, made her look like a dancer. He snapped his attention back to the mission and watched as Dastler traced a line along the datapad’s screen. She was planning their route. They had already done that! No, she was rethinking the route.

Then Reed noticed the crowd of people in front of them. He had heard them coming and begun to register the different voices, but had been concentrating too hard on the finer details of the mission. He nodded his head at Dastler, and they both looked over a low wall. It led into a courtyard about eight feet below them. Both officers shrugged and vaulted over the wall. There were no sounds as they landed. They were far too good to let gravity best them.

They had landed in the perfect spot. Not that far from the cell, and no locked door to have to fight through.

Then they looked behind them.

Moving almost as stealthily were four other people. One of them had pointed ears, and an expression that could very easily have been annoyance.

“Lieutenant,” T’Pol said in a low voice. “What are you doing here?”

“Breaking Captain Archer and Commander Tucker out of prison.” Malcolm put a mild theatrical slant on his words, making Dastler, Sato and Mayweather chuckle slightly. He noticed the other woman; he guessed this was the princess.

“The captain?” T’Pol asked.

“He got into a fight,” Malcolm replied. “Got arrested.”

“This is very irrational behaviour,” T’Pol noted.

“They are together.” Reed handed the sub-commander the pad.

“Plan B?” Travis commented lightly, making both T’Pol and Reed look at him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

{zealousgirl}

Lieutenant Hess sat in the captain’s chair on Enterprise’s bridge, a feeling of panic welling up inside her. Being that now she was the most senior officer on board, the task of receiving the incoming hail fell to her. “My name is Lieutenant Hess. How may we be of assistance?”

The viewscreen now revealed a handsome Kriosan male, who was obviously quite upset. “What have you done with my betrothed?”

The lieutenant drew upon her Starfleet training to maintain her outward composure. “I am afraid sir, that I do not know who you are speaking of, nor do I know who you are?”

“I am Haikaam, luminary of the 2nd ruling family,” he stated matter-of-factly. “Do not attempt to deceive me. I am aware that one of your shuttles was seen arriving at the princess’ residence, and then left several minutes later.”

Hess stared at him, feeling even more panicked than before. “I am sorry, but I do not know where she is. If you could just—”

“I demand that you release her immediately, or you will have to pay the dire consequences?” With that, the communication was terminated, leaving a confused and rather inexperienced bridge crew looking at each other in disbelief.

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

The sound of the cell door being unlocked woke up both Archer and Trip, having fallen asleep only moments earlier. Archer quickly jumped up, and positioned himself directly in front of his injured friend, who remained supine on the bench.

“Captain, it is I.” Ambassador Mati’s voice heralded his arrival, before he stepped into the small room. He was followed by a diminutive grey-haired man, who carried what looked like a small toolbox. Two tall guards came in behind them.

“What do you want now?” Archer stepped forward, his arms crossed in front of him defiantly.

“I have brought the doctor that I had promised. I do apologize for the delay, but it was difficult to convince his Highness.”

The small grey-haired man walked pass Archer, and knelt beside Trip, who was now staring at him suspiciously. After taking a few scans, the doctor announced, “He has to come to the infirmary immediately. He has several serious injuries, including a hemopneumothorax – he needs chest tube placement urgently.”

Archer gasped, and then looked pleadingly at the Kriosan diplomat. “Are you going to help him?”

Mati smiled. “Of course, we are, Captain.”

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

In a secluded corner of the small courtyard, the 5 Starfleet officers and the princess huddled, watching the opposing doorway. After several minutes, Malcolm motioned towards the door. With merely a nod, the remaining ‘rescuers’ acknowledged the start of what was now being called Plan B.

Just as they were about to set out, though, the door opened. They watched as Ambassador Mati, a small grey-haired man, and 2 large guards exited the building, and turning to the left, following the concrete path that lead to the adjoining building.

The 2 guards were carrying what looked like a stretcher.

T’Pol did not need the nudge in her ribs, given to her by Lieutenant Reed, to figure out what they were carrying. The occupant of the stretcher was wearing a blue uniform, and had a familiar profile and dirty blond hair – Commander Tucker.

Once they were alone again in the courtyard, Malcolm finally ventured to speak. “Where do you think they are taking him? And, what do we do now?”

Ensign Dastler spoke up next. “I suggest that the Subcommander and I follow the Commander. You three can proceed with the original plan.”

“That would be logical.” T’pol looked around, and noted that Kaitaama appeared confused. Deciding to preempt her query, she then added, “The princess should come with us, as she will know the palace better than any of us.”

Malcolm shrugged. “Well, good luck then. See you back on Enterprise.”

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

Approximately 15 minutes later, they stood outside the infirmary doors. T’pol was unsettled by the fact that they had not encountered anyone in the corridors, nor had those that they were pursuing even noticed that they were being followed. The whole situation so far had been too easy.

“Subcommander, what should we do now?” Ensign Dastler seemed to be just as unsettled by everything. “Something’s not right, you know. I think—” But she was not able to finish her sentence, as she slumped to the floor, unconscious.

T’pol quickly scanned the corridor, looking for possible culprits for this apparent attack. But it was as deserted and quiet as ever. She then turned to look at Kaitaama who had an inappropriate grin on her face.

“Well, I guess that it’s just you and me now,” she said slyly, and then held up what looked like a hypospray. “She was really getting on my nerves, anyway.”

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

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

{stubadingdong}

Malcolm tiptoed his way down the long, stony corridor. Hoshi and Travis followed silently at his heels. It was much too quiet. Lieutenant Reed was on high alert. They dodged from cell to cell, noting that each one they passed looked quite empty.

The captain has to be in one of these, Malcolm thought. He was getting a bit anxious. How can an entire detention facility be empty? They were nearing the end of the corridor and no sign of Captain Archer.

”Lieutenant!” Malcolm heard the helmsman hiss. He felt a tug on his arm, stopping him in his tracks.

Malcolm turned to see what the ensigns were looking at. They both were peering into a cell. He didn’t recall seeing anything in there a few seconds ago. He stepped between Travis and Hoshi and looked into the room.

They looked in on a very placid Captain Archer. He sat on a bench in the corner with his hands clasped in his lap. He didn’t seem to notice them. He appeared very deep in thought.

“Captain?” said Malcolm quietly.

He inched forward into the cell. Hoshi and Travis followed, worry etched across their features.

“Sir? Are you alright?” he asked again.

It was then that he heard the unmistakable chink of the cell door being shut.

“Oh for Heaven’s sake,” Malcolm sighed. He turned and found them to be on the wrong side of a prison door.

* * *

T’Pol raised an eyebrow at the Princess.

“You have been duplicitous,” the Vulcan stated calmly.

“Yes, I have,” Kaitaama agreed amiably. “Commander Tucker is going to stay here.”

“I beg your pardon?” T’Pol asked. She inclined her chin slightly.

Kaitaama stalked around to the other side of T’Pol, holding the weapon on her. “I think you heard me just fine. But I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.” The princess smiled. “I’m keeping him.”

“He is not a pet,” replied T’Pol. She kept her eyes on those of the woman before her.

“Obviously, Sub-Commander,” snarled Kaitaama, “you’ve never had the pleasure of cuddling with Commander Tucker.”

T’Pol thought back to several hours ago when she was wrapped in his arms. She remembered the way she felt as his lips caressed her, his body pressed against hers. Silently she conceded to this point that the princess made. It was indeed pleasurable. However, T’Pol quickly decided to keep that to herself. If Kaitaama thought there was anything more to her relationship with the Commander, things could start to get worse…if that was even possible.

“You cannot keep a man against his will, Princess Kaitaama,” said T’Pol aloud. “It is kidnapping. You and your royal court could get into much trouble.”

The Kriosan was silent for a moment, regarding T’Pol closely. Her eyes narrowed at the Vulcan and she said, “You know, I’ve never really cared much for you, Sub-Commander. You caused me problems before I even met you,” she said, ignoring T’Pol’s threat.

“I do not see how that is possible,” replied T’Pol coolly. She kept her hands clasped behind her back.

“Allow me to put it this way: Commander Tucker was not making love to me that night in the swamp,” spat Kaitaama. “I will make him love me.”

The commander thought of her then? Intriguing. T’Pol inclined her chin in curiosity. “How do you intend to do that? By keeping him shut up in a prison cell for the rest of his life?”

The princess laughed at this and shook her head. “Oh no, no, no! I have much more pleasant ways in mind, Sub-Commander.”

“I am curious to know how you think you will accomplish this,” said T’Pol.

“Commander Tucker said you were smart,” said Kaitaama. “I think he was exaggerating. Surely you can use your imagination?”

T’Pol recognized the insult. It did not offend her, but clearly the Kriosan wanted it to. “Indulge me, your Highness.”

“Oh, I think not, Sub-Commander,” replied the princess. “I’m not going to divulge my plan to you.”

She was quiet for a moment, sizing up T’Pol. She looked thoughtful, and then a slow grin spread across her face. “I think you might be of service to me, however.”

It was T’Pol’s turn to narrow her eyes. “What do you have in mind?” She did not like the sound of this at all.

Kaitaama’s grin inflated to a full-blown smile, a decidedly evil smile. “Obviously Commander Tucker has feelings for you. Well, it was obvious to me…and now I’ve ‘accidentally’ let it slip. I can use that to my advantage.”

T’Pol folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow. “How are you going to do that?” She hoped that if she asked enough questions, Kaitaama would also ‘let it slip’ the details of her plan. If T’Pol could just get the information back to Lieutenant Reed…

“Perhaps I’ll have to keep you around as incentive,” replied the princess. She raised her weapon to T’Pol’s head. “You see, if the commander doesn’t cooperate, I’ll just have to kill you.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

{myst123}

Trip regained consciousness on a biobed in what appeared to an infirmary. A masked man stood over him, peering through a lens into Trip’s eyes. A doctor, Trip determined.

“He is awake,” a voice emanating from behind the mask said. The doctor touched Trip’s chest with a device. “That should suppress any lingering pain for a time. I’ve drained the blood and trapped air from your chest cavity and mended your broken bone. You should find it easier to breath.”

Trip cautiously took a breath of air, and released it slowly. Indeed, the racking pain was gone and he was able to fill his lungs.

“How long was I out?”

“Not long – since shortly after your Captain was brought to your cell. We are in the afternoon of the same day.”

Trip marveled silently at surgical practices which allowed almost instantaneous recovery. He swung his legs over the side of the biobed and, for the first time noticed Ambassador Mati standing to one side. Scowling, Trip demanded, “Where’s Cap’n Archer?”

“He remained in the cell,” Mati replied. “I will return you to him now.”

The door of the infirmary sprang open and in walked T’Pol, followed by the princess. Trip gaped a bit, wondering if he had really come around or if he was hallucinating. However, the phase pistol aimed at T’Pol’s side looked real enough. The doctor vanished from sight and Mati folded his hands over his chest and bowed towards his sovereign. Any idea that the princess was the Ambassador’s dupe died a quick death.

“Princess! And Subcommander! What a surprise. I wasn’t aware you two were acquainted.”

Kaitaama smiled seductively at Trip. “I have longed to see you again, my love. I didn’t realize until I left you what I had lost.”

“Lost?”

“Yes, you have so much to offer me and my people. I didn’t understand until my return how much you are needed.”

Trip looked at T’Pol in bewilderment.

T’Pol returned his gaze steadily. “You made a lasting impression on the princess, Commander. One she wishes to continue.”

“What?” Trip was beginning to wish he hadn’t regained consciousness after all.

“Yes, she has given you her highest praise as a … cuddler.”

Trip was trying to determine if T’Pol was sending him a coded message or if she was allowing her non-existent jealousy to surface. He decided to chance the former as motivating her.

“I tried to tell you so, T’Pol, but you never believe me.”

T’Pol’s eyes narrowed. Commander Tucker could be entirely too quick to pick up on her lead and get a dig in at the same time. She must modify his behavior once this situation was resolved.

“It is logical to assume that … cuddling … allowed you to share your thoughts. For example, the princess has informed me she knows you were thinking about me while you … mated.”

Trip didn’t like the sound of the chat the two women had had in his absence. He wasn’t anxious to relearn too quickly how long it took for humans to heal without the Kriosan doctor nearby, and there was a look in his Subcommander’s eyes which was a tad worrisome. However, he was relieved he had guessed correctly, and that T’Pol was leading the conversation with a purpose.

“Perhaps there are other thoughts she accessed as well.” T’Pol continued, “I’m certain she will tell you why, upon her return to this planet, she determined you were very necessary after all.”

Trip’s gaze shifted to the princess, who was frowning at the exchange. Smiling warmly at Kaitaama, Trip murmured “Oh, I’m sure my beautiful princess and I will have no secrets from each other.”

****

Ensign Dastler regained consciousness. Leaping to her feet, she heard voices coming from a room along the corridor and moved stealthily forward. Listening, she realized that, although the Commander had apparently recovered, the Subcommander was being held hostage. Determining the discussion was leading to some sort of revelation by the princess, Dastler decided to reconnoiter with the rest of the rescue party and return with reinforcements. She slipped silently away from the door and back towards the cells.

***

“I don’t bloody believe this!” Malcolm said through gritted teeth. Hoshi and Travis looked mortified by their mistake following the Lieutenant into the cell, thus allowing all of them to be trapped.

Malcolm strode over to Archer, shaking the captain. Archer slowly raised his eyes. Seeing the armory officer, his look sharpened and he rose to his feet.

“Lieutenant! Good work. I knew I could depend upon you to find me. We need to track down Trip. I was told he was taken to the infirmary, but I don’t trust that sneaky ambassador.”

Sheepishly, Malcolm admitted that they were all locked in the cell. Archer looked at his crew speechlessly.

***

Lieutenant Hess and the bridge crew were on high alert, uncertain what to do about the threat from Haikaam, and unable to establish a communication link with any of the away parties. An incoming message brought a level of relief as well as additional stress: Ensign Dastler was contacting the ship on a secure channel. She reported on the developments, informed them of her position, and asked to be tracked as she hunted for the others.

****

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

{pookha hare}

“Yes, you have so much to offer me and my people. I didn’t understand until my return how much you are needed,” the princess had purred just a little while earlier.

The princess had seen the puzzled looks coming from the two officers and decided now was the time to show some of the plans she and the ambassador had for the Commander.

“I learned many things while cuddling with Mr. Tucker. Not only about his feelings for you, Sub-Commander but also about how he was more then just a mere engineer,” the princess explained as Trip started to feel very uncomfortable and puzzlement seemed to flitter across T’Pol’s face.

“Mister Tucker’s has many abilities beyond being an attentive lover,” the princess continued with a touch of irony considering what she had divulged to T’Pol about how Trip had been thinking of T’Pol as he had mated with Kaitaama. “One of the things I learned of was his vast knowledge concerning the design of warp propulsion systems.”

As the princess closed the distance between herself and Trip, Ambassador Mati spoke up...”Interesting how far humans have come in such a short period of time. Just a few years ago you were dawdling around just beyond your home solar system at warp two. Now you are crossing great distances at warp five. Not even the Vulcan’s progressed that quickly in the development of faster then light travel. No other races have either. Despite the ornate beauty of our ships they are slow even compared to your Enterprise. Warp 4.2 is their top speed and our warp drive program has not progressed for over two hundred years. Like so much else within our society it has grown stagnant. And with the Klingon Empire growing ever closer the safety of our home world itself is in question. How fortuitous for us that you came to the rescue of Her Highness, Commander.”

T’Pol looked at Trip with questioning eyes; meanwhile, Trip thought ‘uh oh things may be even worse then I thought’. Suddenly something odd happened to the light within the room.

Trip noticed the lights had dimmed just a little, but even more startling the princess had stopped in mid step in her approach to him and the Ambassador had stopped speaking mid-word. Puzzled, he looked toward T’Pol, who, for a Vulcan, looked quite startled.

T’Pol had been startled but was rapidly regaining her composure when something she had heard of but never thought to see appeared before her. T’Pol gestured for Trip to turn and look.

Over in the corner of the room was an alien Trip had never seen before. It looked to be a little smaller than him and appeared to be slightly stooped over, but at the same time it had the aura of something not to be trifled with. Age and wisdom seemed to glow from its almost catlike eyes. ‘Hmm that’s it,’ thought Trip. The closest thing he could compare it to would be a cross between a cat and a fox, with the cat coming out on top.

Soft golden amber eyes regarded the two of them while ignoring the ambassador and the princess. Finally the alien spoke in a soft female-sounding voice; but, Trip noticed an odd thing. When the alien spoke, he could hear off in the distance what sounded like many animals growling and an odd underlying purr. “We are the Vedala,” the alien explained.

T’Pol, with her Vulcan mask now firmly back into place, looked at the Vedala and informed it, “You are a myth.”

“Reality is often found within myths,” the Vedala replied with what Trip swore was a hint of amusement in its voice.

Trip asked T’Pol, “What is a Vedala? Some friend of yours you forgot to tell me about?” He asked in about the most light-hearted tone he could muster, considering how bizarre this nightmare he had found himself in had turned.

T’Pol walked over to him while explaining. “The Vedala were. . .” She paused, looking at the Vedala. “. . . are supposed to be the oldest space traveling race. No one had seen or even heard from them in millennia. It has been so long since a reputable sighting was known that the Vedala had faded into myth.”

“Yes, it has been a long time since we have made our presence widely known to the greater galaxy,” the Vedala admitted. “But, we observe; and, from time to time, our agents and we help in small ways. But, dangerous it is to interfere too greatly and only rarely do we make our presence known to a few. Soon we will be seen and known by even more.”

Trip, for the first time in awhile, found his sense of humor returning as he walked around the princess still frozen in mid step, as T’Pol watched him. How could he not be amused at the site of the princess frozen mid-step and the ambassador with his mouth frozen open? He turned and looked toward the Vedala. “I hate to bother you since, well, this was nice of you,” gesturing towards the monarch and ambassador. “But, could you tell us where we can find the rest of our people and help us rescue them?”

“We are here to offer you a chance to rest Charles Tucker the Third. While the Kriosion doctor healed your injuries you are not well.” Trip started to protest that getting the captain out of his cell was more important but the Vedalan continued. “While two days will pass for you and the Sub-Commander no time will have been lost here.”

Just then the room seemed to blur out only to be replaced a moment later with woods. Trip looked around stunned. He, T’Pol and the Vedala were now standing in the midst of a clearing of some great woods. Behind the Vedala was, of all things, Shuttlepod One.

Even T’Pol was surprised, though she struggled not to show it. They probably were no longer even on Krios Prime since it was mostly desert and water. No woods such as these had shown up on her scans of the planet. She looked over at Trip who was not trying to hide his amazement.

Trip looked back at her and just shrugged. If some all powerful space cat wanted to save him from her high bitchiness and her conniving ambassador, that was fine with him. And it sounded as if they would still have time to rescue the Captain. If they wanted him to rest, he would rest.

Just then T’Pol who had walked toward him brushed her hand against his cheek as if she were both checking to see he was indeed there and as a reassurance. He smiled at her and thought it will be nice to spend a little time with her amidst all this craziness.

The Vedala quietly studied them. It was very pleased. Despite all that the Kriosian princess had done, the prime timeline seemed to be moving along very well. It did have questions about why and how the current events had transpired. Despite being very powerful and able to see many timelines at once, there were things hidden even to them.

For one they wondered if the Kriosions alone had conceived this plot or was there some other hand at work. Perhaps one of the temporal factions of the future who
even now were muddying the temporal waters of this century. Offers to help the Kriosians in their upcoming battles with the Klingons could have been made in return for certain favors. There was more than one way to disrupt the human deep space program. Possibly even their estranged creations, the Tholians, had played some part.

The Vedala thought to itself and to all its fellows at the same time through time and space, ‘We need to investigate motives while we leave the human and Vulcan here in this oasis of time and space’.

‘Hmm’, the Vedala mused, ‘it might be wise to discover what the Tholians intentions were for the Federation starship that they had pulled through time’.

It paused from its pondering to see the Commander and Sub-Commander approaching. Trip waved his arms in a gesture the Vedala interpreted to mean what now.

“We will leave you here together for awhile. All that you will require you will find within your shuttle. After you have rested for two days we will return for you and it will be as if no time had passed as we promised,” the Vedala explained, and then it was gone. No flash of light, no puff of smoke... just there and then not there.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

{aprylrae}

T’Pol watched as the human slid down the smooth side of the shuttlecraft. He drew one knee up to his chest, and rubbed his eyes, exhaling. Slowly, the hand found its way upwards and disappeared into his hair, ultimately landing in his lap. “Well, now what?” Trip asked, half to himself. Amusement was beginning to creep into his voice.

T’Pol kneeled down, brushed an errant lock of hair back from his face, yet said nothing. Voluminous eyes regarded him. Amusement disappeared.

“OK, We talk.” Trip became quiet at the statement even as he said it.

“Um, I’m not the only one with a mess of questions am I?”

“No Commander, you are not” The last barely a whisper.

“Well, what was I supposed to do? They asked for my help you know.” He trailed off. “It seemed...logical. We need all the allies we can get out here right? What better way to make friends than prevent an assassination?”

T’Pol stared at him. At that moment he would have sworn her eyes had grown.

He felt himself being talked into a large hole...and it was his own voice he heard.
“I couldn’t just turn my back to them; it would be...inhuman. And yes, I know a Vulcan would have checked out the story, but...”

“You, Mr. Tucker, are not a Vulcan.”

“Glad you noticed”

Nonplused, “And yet, you attempted to react as one in a limited fashion?”

“Guess you’re rubbing off on me. And as for that matter, you haven’t exactly been model Vulcan yourself through this, now have you?”

She studied her knees.

He studied the way her lashes brushed her face, featherlike.

They sat silently until he became overly aware of his own breathing. “If I didn’t know better I’d think it wasn’t the situation at large that set you off. Rather, the Princess and her taunting. “

“I don’t understand”

“Yes, you do. “

He stood, extending a hand downward, quickly hiding surprise when she took it.

“Let’s walk” He half-asked, half stated.

The setting sun cast long amber tendrils across the lake in the distance.

***

“Dastler, they should be 20 meters away.”

“Got it, thanks Hess.”

Dastler crept catlike along the wall. Anxious at the lack of security guards. Rounding the corner she caught sight of the away team and froze mid step.

Archer barely acknowledged her presence before his universe halted as well.

***

Light danced on the still water, the same blue she now avoided. T’Pol knew his eyes would mirror the site before her. This was illogical. So many once logical notions now seemed just as illogical though. She wanted to meditate, could all but feel the light from her candle. She had missed nights, but even that could not explain the cacophony of her thoughts, where order had once reigned.

She looked away from the water as it mocked her with its own brand of serenity. Her gaze fell to his hand. She was quite certain he had released her once she stood; yet their hands were intertwined. “So alien, yet familiar” she thought. “>Lightly toned, cool, human skin, but long graceful Vulcan-like fingers.”

Why am I contemplating a hand?”

She looked up into amused blue pools.

“That vicious little thing did get to you, didn’t she?” He smiled now.

“I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about Commander.”

“Now I know she did. You weren’t just playing along with her taunts. Picturing me with her, together, actually bothers you doesn’t it? It isn’t just the crazy situation; it's her.”

“Commander, Vulcans are beyond such displays. It was necessary to be lead along that line of thought to ascertain the full extent of this conspiracy”

“Vulcan’s are beyond lying also, aren’t they?”

T’Pol inhaled deeply, “Perhaps” she asked, “You’d care to explain why I was foremost in your thoughts during your time with her?”
The silence that settled between them roared with intensity all its own. They locked eyes in an age old battle of wills.

Trip gambled.

Stepped close enough to feel her warmth, close enough that she was forced to look upwards to avoid releasing his gaze, but not touching.

“You already know. You figured it out a long time ago, subconsciously, but that damn Vulcan pride has kept it from you...hasn’t it?”

He leaned closer still, blocking out all of her view except those eyes. Still like the water, still like her thoughts should have been.

“Hasn’t it?”

“Excuse me?”

T’Pol felt the hand at the back of her head less than a heartbeat before the cool brush of his lips. A question.

Neither wondered who was more surprised when she answered.

***

“Put them where they belong”

“It will be disconcerting”

“We will amend. The Tholians have been dealt with; the Humans must be allowed to develop on their own path. It is the way. One day they will meet again, but time will prepare the Humans well to deal with the Tholian web of deceit. Krios had it’s moment, but chaos will replace their stability. A house divided. Their world will change.

And so it was.

***

Captain Jonathan Archer stood tall before his command chair. He blinked, frowned, blinked again. The small creature before him waited patiently, exuding the calm of a mountain in miniature.
“How?” Archer began.

“We are the Vedeans.”

“You have my attention.”

“The plot you were embroiled within was not accurate for your time, Captain. You and your crew have been returned to your rightful place, you may go in peace.”

“Wait” Archer said as he stepped forward, “Learning about new species is our main purpose, we have many questions. Surely you can stay a while longer...”

“Yes” The Vedean’s voice sounded more calm, nearly motionless now, “Yes, you do. And no, we can not.”

Archer stood, frowning at the space where the little creature had been. The past day’s events even now being glossed over in a haze. Caught somewhere between reality and deja’vu.

***

Haikaam looked lovingly at his new bride, reveling in her nature. Though her return was unexpected she seemed none the worse for wear. A nagging sensation in the back of his mind hinted to him that this was too good to be true. She smiled at him, exactly when she should have, and thoughts of the previous day faded from importance. He would always see her as she was, walking through the door, safe...home...his. Her words resonating in his mind still, as though written on eternity, “I am for you...”

***

Ambassador Mati stood very quiet, counting his many blessings. He watched the happy couple walk off and pondered the state of mercy and punishment. The creature’s words to the proud princess whispered again in his own mind, ephemeral “You will be changed. Your world changed. You went too far, to fast. Instant gratification is not in accord with the universe. You will be the first, and from you will the tradition spring. You will become his perfect mate, taking on those requirements which please him. A genetic abnormality. To be worn as a badge of pride, and remembrance of your selfish ways. You will exist to please him, and when no one is around you will be void.”

And it was so.

***

Trip strode into the engine room. His stage.

Time, effort, passion...all encompassed in this dream of preternatural speed. Sleek, beautiful in it’s child like complexity. He ran a hand across the casing before him, one man’s dream...embraced by all humanity, by those which it saved. The gentle hum of the engines lulled him, welcoming him back to his natural state. He gazed at the numbers before him, never at a loss for amazement; “Well” he thought to himself “You learn something new every day.” The display danced just for him, a private performance only seen by those few who would open their minds to the theories behind dry statistics. Matter and antimatter, opposite ends of the same continuum, annihilating and reforming one another. An age old dance.

His minds eye held tight to the thought.

The fire crackled before them.

Trip stretched out on the standard issue sleeping roll, annihilation equations flashing across his brain. T’Pol lay a scant half meter from him, curled on her own roll. As the fire crackled in its soft death troughs he reached his hand backwards in the darkness. Clasping T’Pol’s hand he drifted into sleep, silently.

***

T’Pol drifted within the flame, at one with herself and the energy before her. The warm waters of her mind a gently rolling tide, easing; thoughts coalescing. She was at peace.

With a quick breath the flame was no more.

Smoke wafted up through the air, dancing in fluid currents before her eyes.

Inhale,

Exhale.

Bare feet felt the cool smoothness of the floor. Such sensations were illogical, yet she studied them while walking through the near dark to her bunk. Laying down she mentally picked at each sensation, turning it in her mind as though it was a new bit of data. Study, theorize, catalog. Slowly she began to shut down. Face muscles relaxed first, exhale. The mattress expanded to encompass her lithe frame. Absently she felt protected as the thin veil of sleep over took her.

“Your sleep was disturbed last night; does that always happen when you don’t meditate?”

“Yet, you responded to her?”

“Yes. And before you ask, no I don’t know why. It’s not really my...style...but that’s what happened. I chalked it up to human weakness. Maybe just some latent adolescent fantasy about the ‘princess’ in danger. Who knows? That’s just what happened.”

Trip leaned forward slightly, taking her mug and sitting it beside his own. He looked down at her, contemplating. Gently, his lips brushed her forehead. Closing his eyes he whispered, “Anywhere? I’d be Cmdr Charles Tucker III, stranded on a world out of time with a stubborn woman who didn’t need to be rescued.”

The End

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Oooooooh! That's a kick in the ass, what the hell is going on? I'm hooked and lovin' it. NEXT!!!

Excellent. I was suspecting as much though it was a surprise to learn that Kaitaama acted in direct response to what men wanted in a woman. The shy niave girl she is away from them is a nice interesting glimpse into who she really is. As for Trip being deceived into becoming a patsy I can't wait to see how the cloth unravels. I don't like the duplicitous Ambassador Mati. His crocodile tears are like his tattoo and have a hidden meaning, methinks. Wonderful! Can't wait for the next part. Ali D :~)

Great addition, Cursor! I really like the fact that you brought in the empathic side of the princess's character. And more palace intrigue with the Ambassador! Thanks.

Good luck, Lady C!

Ah! Yet more intrigue, and poor Trip still languishes without medical attention. And what of Jon fighting against a crazed knifeman?

I was surprised by the princess's lack of self-esteem, and the fact that she put on whatever front she thought men wanted. Stand up for yourself, woman!!

Anyway, great addition to the story.

Yay! I've been gone a while, but I came back to a great part!!! ^____^ *Hehe* And the 50 stars reference shows up! ^_- Well, maybe the girls will save the day this time . . . And I DO hope Jon can get himself out of this situation without causing ANOTHER incident. ;)

I've not read or reviewed for a while - sorry, but 'real life' sometimes catches up on you!

Cursor, I loved how you picked up on the 'fifty stars' that Haikaam's sister brought out in her dying breath. And the whole empathic thing is so cool; you can really go a lot of different ways with this.

Lady C, spectaculor as usual. Great to see the girls to the rescue! And having Kaitaama be so timid while not in the presence of men, without a personality of her own was a wonderful assumption of how her empathic abilities can hinder her.

I've already read Nefertari's (beta'd it last night) but will wait for it to be posted to comment.

Then I guess it's up to me!

Great addition Nef! I really like the image of the 2 different groups sneaking up on the castle ready to pounce. And, great job adding some humor. I really chuckled at that last line: "Plan B?" - Ha!

Well, I guess it's good luck to me!

HA! The dual escape! The things the crew does for Trip...though I'd leave Archer in prison.

Kidding! This story just keeps getting better and better.

Way to go Nefertari. Loved the two escape plans coming together.

Good luck zg

Four words. EVIL. PSYCO. BITCH. PRINCESS. but she'll get hers in the end won't she, T'pol's gotta kick some ass! love the latest additions!

LOL, ZG! That princess is too tricky. Love this. Hmm, now is the princess becoming the perfect other woman for T'Pol? :P

Good luck, Zane!

Interesting turn of events! Love it ZG. What could the princess be up to???
Good luck with the next part Zane!

What??? What a cruel place to end zealousgirl :) Another great addition to join the others.

This story is so cool. I wanna know what happens next *stamps foot impatiently*

wow! well that was expected but not like that.... well you have got me going big time now!

hurry more please

Oh what a twist you all have turned on us! Liking very much!

big uh oh! for everyone right now.

hmmm... interesting... odd.. but interesting... that is a good thing by the way! just incase you were wondering...

Poor Mal, Travis & Hoshi. Getting all locked up too. And T'Pol and the Princess getting ready for a final showdown of OMT - can't wait.

Wonderful as always stub. Good luck myst

Nothing wrong with that stub! I loved how you got Mal and company trapped now. And how you still didn't quite tell us why Kaitaama wants Trip (although I can imagine why !!!) T'pol's point of view here was so well done. And thanks for bringing back the memory of what had happened to Trip and T'pol earlier (ie the kiss)

Yeah guys! And good luck to Myst!

I see that I forgot to review myst's part - sorry! Great job - I love how you continued with stub's part. Trip picking up on T'pol's cues was perfect.

And then pookha - Wow, did you ever go off on a tangent. Makes it fun for the next in line (Maddie) to play with our 2 favorite characters apart from the main story. The Vedela are fascinating creatures - very much in keeping with Star Trek aliens.

Well, good luck to you Maddie - and remember that we need to be wrapping things up soon (season 3 starts in 5 weeks)

the vedala are from the animated series for any one who hasnt heard of them..
the very mysterious elder race who ask spock and kirk and some others to go and stop a jhad from happening by finding an object holy to a race.
once the object was found you find out the vedala can control time since they sent kirk and spock back to a point just after they left enterprise.

i just wanted to get t/t alone from the princess for awhile.

;)

Hey T/T all alone for two days.. great.. or horrible things are bounf to ensue!

another comment/..

maybe the princess was an imperfect empathic metamorph..she seemed to only bond imperfectly to trip.. there was still a cold blooded streak about her. the way in precious cargo she ordered trip to leave the pirate to drown.
of course he gave her this look that ment i dont care if he was trying to kill me a moment ago .. woman i am not standing by and let a man drown.
as he got the space pirate out of the water.

and from the perfect mate that the empathic metamorphs do more then make themselves into the woman for a man.. to do so she can also absorb information..

like kamaala picked up knowledge of shakespeare, archaeology and other things from picard.

maybe after treating trip's wound and seeing the potential the princess decided she wanted to know more and that is why she kissed him.

;)

Interesting twist there, pookha. Not at all what I was expecting.

Maddie, let's get shippy!!! Good luck!

Haven't commented for a while - sorry.

myst I really liked your part - like how you had Dastler show some sense and get Enterprise to track her from now on. And pookha getting T'Pol and Trip all alone like that is very cool - I was wondering where you going for a sec there.

Finally!! Wonderful end - thnak you very much for finishing!

Loved the ending though I had to go back and read the last few parts to remind myself what had happened previously as it was so long in coming. Well worth the wait though, a big thank you to all you gifted souls for creating this lovely confection. I can sleep happy now, Ali D :~)